Question

What exactly is homoplasy? Describe three different forms or types of homoplasy and then describe both a macro-evolutionary (phenotypic) and a micro-evolutionary (molecular) example for each one of these three kinds of homoplasy

Answer 1

Homoplasy is the antonym to homology.

That is these are traits shared by set of species, that is not present in their common ancestor.

The three kinds of homoplasy are

1) convergent evolution.

Similer features are evolved indipendently by different devolopmental ways.

eg: eye of vertebrate and cephalopods

2) parellel evolution

Identical features evolved indipendently by similer devolopment pathways.

eg: Similer wing pattern evolved in moth and butterfly that have same rule of laying down pigments.

3) Evolutionary reversal

Return from more advanced to a primitive charecter.

eg: Teeth in lower jaw of frogs.