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Homoplasy refers to similarities in traits between different species that are not inherited from a common ancestor, while homologous structures are traits that are inherited from a common ancestor and have similar functions.

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What is the difference between homoplasy and homology in terms of evolutionary biology?

Homoplasy refers to similarities between species that are not inherited from a common ancestor, while homology refers to similarities that are inherited from a common ancestor. In evolutionary biology, homoplasy is considered a result of convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in different species, while homology indicates a shared evolutionary history.


What is the key difference between homology and homoplasy in evolutionary biology?

Homology refers to similarities in traits due to shared ancestry, while homoplasy refers to similarities in traits due to convergent evolution.


What is the key distinction between homology and homoplasy when they both result in similar traits?

The key distinction between homology and homoplasy is that homology is when similar traits are inherited from a common ancestor, while homoplasy is when similar traits evolve independently in different species.


How does homoplasy contribute to the similarity of traits among different species?

Homoplasy, also known as convergent evolution, occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. This can lead to the appearance of trait similarity among species that are not closely related.


The independent evolution of similar traits in organisms is caused by?

Convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. This occurs due to similar selective pressures driving specific adaptations, leading to the development of analogous structures or functions in different lineages.

Related Questions

What is the difference between homoplasy and homology in terms of evolutionary biology?

Homoplasy refers to similarities between species that are not inherited from a common ancestor, while homology refers to similarities that are inherited from a common ancestor. In evolutionary biology, homoplasy is considered a result of convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in different species, while homology indicates a shared evolutionary history.


What is the key difference between homology and homoplasy in evolutionary biology?

Homology refers to similarities in traits due to shared ancestry, while homoplasy refers to similarities in traits due to convergent evolution.


What is an example of homoplasy?

An example of homoplasy is the evolution of wings in bats and birds. Although both groups have developed the ability to fly, their wings evolved independently from different ancestral structures, illustrating convergent evolution. This similarity in function and form, despite distinct evolutionary paths, exemplifies homoplasy in biological traits.


Which is strong evidence that similar traits in different evolutionary lineages are the result of homology and not homoplasy?

The traits are also found in many intervening lineages on the tree of life


What is the key distinction between homology and homoplasy when they both result in similar traits?

The key distinction between homology and homoplasy is that homology is when similar traits are inherited from a common ancestor, while homoplasy is when similar traits evolve independently in different species.


A similar feature that evolved through convergent evolution is called a?

It's homoplasy.


How does homoplasy contribute to the similarity of traits among different species?

Homoplasy, also known as convergent evolution, occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. This can lead to the appearance of trait similarity among species that are not closely related.


The independent evolution of similar traits in organisms is caused by?

Convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. This occurs due to similar selective pressures driving specific adaptations, leading to the development of analogous structures or functions in different lineages.


What is one advantage of building phylogenetic trees using DNA comparisons rather than anatomical physical features?

One advantage of using DNA comparisons to build phylogenetic trees is that genetic sequences provide a more precise and objective measure of evolutionary relationships. DNA can reveal evolutionary connections that may not be evident through anatomical features, which can be subject to convergent evolution or homoplasy. Additionally, molecular data can capture subtle genetic changes over time, allowing for a more accurate representation of lineage divergence. This approach helps clarify relationships among organisms that may appear similar morphologically but are genetically distinct.


Does convergent evolution result in speciation?

All evolution that results in increasing genetic divergence between subpopulations may result in speciation. That includes convergent evolution: convergence occurs at the phenotypical level, not at the genetic level.


Why are homologies a challenge to study of cladstics?

Homologies, which refer to traits inherited from a common ancestor, can be challenging in the study of cladistics because they can sometimes be confused with analogous traits, which arise independently due to convergent evolution. This misclassification complicates the identification of true evolutionary relationships and can lead to inaccurate phylogenetic trees. Additionally, homoplasy, where similar traits evolve in unrelated lineages, further complicates the interpretation of homologies, making it difficult to establish clear lineage distinctions. As a result, careful analysis and criteria are necessary to accurately assess homologies in cladistic studies.


What are some nine letter words with 3rd letter M and 5th letter P and 7th letter A?

According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 6 words with the pattern --M-P-A--. That is, nine letter words with 3rd letter M and 5th letter P and 7th letter A. In alphabetical order, they are: cymophane gameplays homeplace homoplasy nameplate someplace