Texas A&M University (TAMU) BIOL112 Introductory Biology II Lab Exam 1 Practice Exam

The term that designates traits evolving due to adaptation to similar environments without being derived from a common ancestor is "analogous." Analogous traits arise when different species independently develop similar adaptations to cope with comparable ecological niches or environmental pressures. A classic example of this would be the wings of birds and insects; both are used for flight and have similar functions but evolved separately from distinct evolutionary lineages.

In contrast, homologous traits arise from a common ancestor, indicating a shared evolutionary origin even if they have different functions; for example, the forelimbs of mammals and the flippers of whales are homologous. Additionally, autapomorphic traits refer to unique characteristics that are specific to a single lineage, while synapomorphic traits are shared derived characteristics that indicate a common ancestry among a group of organisms.

Understanding the difference between these types of traits is crucial as it helps clarify evolutionary relationships and the adaptive strategies of different species in response to their environments.