Name:

Homologous Structures Practice

We can compare the organs and bones of various animals and find many similarities in their
structure. Similar size, shape, and presence of these structures all hint at common ancestry and
provides evidence for the theory of evolution. These similar structures
that we can compare across different organisms are called homologous
structures. Bones are a great way to see the similarities in entirely

is than a humans, we both have 7 vertebrae in our necks!

For the following activity, you will see the forearm KEY:
of various animals. You will notice that they all Humerus =
have the same bones, but they have evolved over Radius =
time to maybe even fulfill a different function or Ulna =
adapted in shape or size for some other purpose. These are a Carpals =
perfect example of homologous structures. Color-code the various bones so Metacarpals =
that each specific bone group gets its own color. Phalanges =

Humerus

Ulna

Radius
Carpals
Metacarpals

Phalanges