The term "homoplasy" is most applicable to which of these features?
A)the legless condition found in various types of extant lizards
B)the 5-digit condition of human hands and bat wings
C)the beta-hemoglobin genes of mice and of humans
D)the fur that covers Australian moles and North American moles
E)the basic skeletal features of dog forelimbs and cat forelimbs

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homoplasy refers to the presence of similar characteristics in unrelated organisms due to convergent evolution. The legless condition found in various types of extant lizards is an example of homoplasy because these organisms have independently evolved this characteristic despite not being closely related.

The Term "Homoplasy" Is Most Applicable to Which of These