Which type of homology is characterized by similar structures in different species?

Anatomical homology is characterized by similar structures in different species, indicating a common evolutionary ancestor. This type of homology highlights how organisms that are evolutionarily related can share similar physical features, despite potentially having different functions or appearances as they adapt to their environments.

For example, the forelimbs of mammals, such as humans, whales, and bats, have similar bone structures despite their different uses (grasping, swimming, flying). This structural similarity suggests that these species have a shared lineage, from which they have diverged, adapting their limbs for different purposes over time.

In contrast, genetic homology refers to similarities in DNA sequences among different species, which can indicate a common ancestry at the molecular level. Developmental homology pertains to similarities in the embryonic development stages among different species, revealing their evolutionary connections. Vestigial structures are remnants of features that served a purpose in ancestral species but have lost their original function in modern species, demonstrating a different aspect of evolutionary history.