Analogous and Homologous Structures

Students compare anatomical structures of different organisms in order to draw conclusions about evolutionary relationships in this life science worksheet! Designed for middle school learners, this two-page worksheet begins with an introduction to important key terms, including "evolution," "homologous structures," and "analogous structures." Students will then review images of pairs of organisms to determine if they share homologous or analogous structures. Then, to further develop critical-thinking skills, learners will answer a free-response question comparing body structures of two different organisms.