Which statement about traits and phylogeny is true?
A) All similar traits are evidence of relatedness.
B) All shared traits are synapomorphies.
C) All synapomorphies are shared traits.
D) Homologous traits arise from reversals.
E) Homologous traits arise from convergent evolution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A synapomorphy is a shared derived trait that is present in all members of a particular clade (group of organisms that share a common ancestor). Therefore, all synapomorphies are shared traits, but not all shared traits are synapomorphies. Additionally, not all similar traits are evidence of relatedness - this could also be due to convergent evolution. Homologous traits do not arise from reversals or convergent evolution, but rather from a common ancestor.

Which Statement About Traits and Phylogeny Is True