In anatomy, two anatomical structures are considered to be analogous when they serve similar functions but are not evolutionarily related, such as the legs of vertebrates and the legs of insects. Analogous structures are the result of independent evolution and should be contrasted with structures which shared an evolutionary line.
In anAtoMY, TWo AnATomicaL structurEs are cONsiDerEd to BE anaLogous When thEy serVe SIMilar funcTiOns bUt Are noT EvolutiONariLY rElAted, sUCh as tHE legs oF VErtEBrates anD THE lEgs of inseCTS. anAloGOuS StRuctUrEs Are ThE Result of IndEpendEnT evolutioN and ShouLd be coNtrAsted witH strUcTureS which sHaReD An EvolutiONary liNe.