How can you tell if a trait has evolved due to homologous evolution or analogous evolution?
A) You compare the function of the trait across different species.
B) You do an analysis of the fossil evidence for the trait.
C) You do a comparative analysis to see if the two species with the trait in question have a common ancestor.
D) You use statistics to determine the probability that the animal would have this trait based on chance alone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Comparing species with the trait in question to determine if they have a common ancestor is the best way to determine if the trait evolved through homologous evolution. This method allows us to trace the origins of the trait back to a common ancestor. If the trait evolved through analogous evolution, the function of the trait may be similar across different species, but there would be no common ancestor. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Option A may be useful in determining the function of the trait, but it does not provide information about its evolution. Option B may provide information about the history of the trait, but it may be difficult to obtain fossil evidence for every trait. Option D is not a reliable method for determining the evolution of traits.

How Can You Tell If a Trait Has Evolved Due