Definition of Term

homology

(English) Similarity of characters due to close ancestry, a common evolutionary origin, e.g. pectoral fins are homologous with human arms but pelvic fins are not homologous with legs (and so are perhaps better termed ventral fins). In constrast to homoplasy and equivalent to synapomorphy since derived from the same ancestral character. (See also: character, homoplasy, synapomorphy)

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