Final answer:
An analogous structure is a feature in different species that is similar due to convergent evolution, not due to a common ancestry, such as the wings of bats and birds.
Step-by-step explanation:
An analogous structure is a feature in different species that is similar because it evolved in response to similar environmental challenges or similar selection pressures, despite those species not sharing a common ancestor. A classic example of this is the wings of bats and birds – while they serve the same function (flight) and may appear superficially similar, the underlying bone structures are quite different, indicating independent evolutionary paths, a process known as convergent evolution. This is in contrast to homologous structures, which are similar in different species due to inheritance from a common ancestor, potentially having different functions, such as the limbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats. It's important for scientists to distinguish between homologous and analogous features to accurately understand the evolutionary history or phylogeny of organisms.
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