Evolution

Analogous

Structures that perform similar functions but evolved independently in unrelated species. Similar appearance due to similar selective pressures, not common ancestry.

Used in the Books

This term appears in 21 chapters:

Foundations Reproduction and Replication

"... their situation. Step 4: Fidelity Mechanisms - Ensuring DNA Transfers Correctly High-fidelity replication requires proofreading mechanisms analogous to DNA polymerase. DNA Transmission Systems: - Training Programs: Immersive, DNA-focused (not just skills), tested for comprehension - **Cer..."

Foundations Ecosystem Thinking

"... adapts - how much damage before adaptation? ::: In business, regulatory arbitrage, technological disruption, or capital infusions create conditions analogous to ecological release: - Uber/Lyft: Sidestepped taxi regulations (medallion systems, insurance requirements, driver screening), experienced ecol..."

Competitive Dynamics Territorial Defense

"This guess is usually wrong by 40-60%. Use these three methods to generate data-driven forecasts: Method 1: Analogous Territory Benchmark Find a comparable territory you already defend and use its intrusion rate as starting point. Process: 1."

Communication and Signaling Quorum Sensing

"...y rapidly push the entire population over the threshold. The result: abrupt, coordinated transitions from individual to collective behavior. This is analogous to crystallization: individual molecules are liquid until a seed crystal forms, then the entire solution rapidly crystallizes."

Communication and Signaling Alarm Calls Information Cascades

"...ficity, honesty, cascade coordination - evolved over millions of years in predator-prey arms races where failure meant extinction. Organizations face analogous pressures. Threats emerge suddenly: cyberattacks unfold in minutes, PR crises explode in hours, financial fraud compounds daily."

And 16 more chapters...

Biological Context

Bird wings and insect wings are analogous—both function for flight but evolved independently. Analogous structures (convergent evolution) show that evolution often finds similar solutions to similar problems. They lack the underlying structural similarity of homologous features.

Related Terms

Tags

evolutionconvergenceadaptation