Traits that are similar in two species as a result of common ancestry are referred to as:
A)homologous.
B)analogous.
C)convergent.
D)derived.
E)ancestral.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Traits that are similar due to common ancestry are referred to as homologous. Analogous traits are similar in function, but not in structure, and occur as a result of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when two unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar selective pressures, rather than due to a common ancestor. Derived traits are traits that have evolved more recently in a species, while ancestral traits are traits that have been present in a lineage for a long time.

Traits That Are Similar in Two Species as a Result