A lineage of ants evolved wings about 30 million years ago.A lineage within that lineage subsequently lost wings about 10 million years ago.The loss of wings is an example of a _______, which is a(n)______.
A) evolutionary reversal; homoplasy
B) evolutionary reversal; synapomorphy
C) convergent evolution; homoplasy
D) convergent evolution; synapomorphy
E) convergent evolution; evolutionary reversal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The loss of wings is an example of evolutionary reversal, as the lineage once had wings but subsequently lost them. It is also an example of homoplasy, as the loss of wings occurred independently in this lineage, rather than being inherited from a common ancestor.

A Lineage of Ants Evolved Wings About 30 Million Years