A trait that is similar in one or more species even though it was not present in their common ancestor is called a
A)homology.
B)synapomorphy.
C)homoplasy.
D)symplesiomorphy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A trait that is similar in one or more species even though it was not present in their common ancestor is referred to as homoplasy. Homologous traits are those that were present in the common ancestor and are inherited from it, while synapomorphies are traits that evolved in the common ancestor of a particular group and are shared among all members of that group. Symplesiomorphies are traits that are present in both the ancestor and its descendants.

A Trait That Is Similar in One or More Species