Homologous Organs

organs of animals or plants which have a common structural design, develop from similar embryonic rudiments, and perform similar (for example, tulip bulbs and potato tubers are modified shoots) or different (for example, a bird’s wing and a human arm) functions. Homologous organs in the same individual are called similar organs. They may be placed symmetrically along the axis of the body (for example, the anterior and posterior extremities of vertebrates, the extremities and mouth appendages of arthropods) or without any definite order (scales, feathers, hair, leaves).