Homology vs. Homoplasy

1
Homology vs. Homoplasy

• Homology is any similarity between characters
  that is due to their shared ancestry

• Homoplasy occurs when characters are similar, but
  are not derived from a common ancestor.

Homoplasy often results from convergent evolution.
What type of characters do we use to determine
evolutionary relationships?
2
Vertebrate limbs are homologous.
3
Are bird and bat WINGS homologous?

• http//www.fs.fed.us

lazybirder.blogspot.com
No, they are homoplasious.
4
Which camera eyes are homologous?
5
Which camera eyes are homologous? B,C,D
6
Are the position of the eyes in C and D an
example of homology or homoplasy?
7
Are the position of the eyes in C and D an
example of homology or homoplasy? Homoplasy.
8
Can you think of other examples of homoplasy that
result from convergent evolution?

• Marsupial thylacine and mammalian canids
• Similar skulls, sharp teeth, powerful jaws,
  raised heels and the same general body form
• Thylacine most closely related to Tasmanian devil

Thylacine
Timberwolf

• Old and New World Vultures
• Both eat carrion
• Old World vultures related to eagles, New World
  vultures related to storks

Nubian vulture
Turkey vulture