Characters that are similar because of descent from a common ancestor are:
A)homologous.
B)analogous.
C)examples of convergent evolution.
D)synapomorphies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homologous characters are those that have a similar structure and origin because they were inherited from a common ancestor. Therefore, characters that are similar because of descent from a common ancestor are homologous. Analogous characters are those that have a similar function but a different structure and origin, which can occur through convergent evolution. Synapomorphies are shared derived traits that are used to define a clade (a group of organisms that share a common ancestor), but they do not necessarily indicate similarity because of descent from a common ancestor.

Characters That Are Similar Because of Descent from a Common