Slayton: Analogous Structures

Psittacus erithacus
42.094246, -71.64408

Musca domestica
42.387867, -71.621895

The wings of the housefly and the wings of the African grey parrot are both used for flying, but do not reflect common ancestry. Thus, the wings are analogous structures in these organisms.

Hystrix cristata
42.068367, -71.59855

Atelerix albiventris
42.241158, -71.63405

The quills of the crested porcupine and African pygmy hedgehog are analogous structures. They are similar (though not identical) in structure and appearance, but evolved independently through convergent evolution and thus do not reflect a common ancestor.