Traits in two or more organisms that are similar but not derived from a common ancestor are called
A) homoplastic traits.
B) homologous traits.
C) ancestral traits.
D) synapomorphies.
E) paraphyletic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homoplastic traits are those that have evolved independently in two or more organisms but are similar in structure or function. They are not derived from a common ancestor and are often the result of convergent or parallel evolution. Homologous traits, on the other hand, are similar traits that are derived from a common ancestor, while synapomorphies are shared, derived traits that define a particular clade or group. Ancestral traits are traits that are present in the common ancestor of a group and may be shared by all its descendants, while paraphyletic refers to a group that does not include all the descendants of a common ancestor.

Traits in Two or More Organisms That Are Similar but Not