Why Isn't the Presence of Similar Traits in Two Organisms

question 134

Multiple Choice

Why isn't the presence of similar traits in two organisms necessarily evidence that the two organisms shared a common ancestor?

• A) The traits could have arisen by convergent evolution.
• B) The traits could have evolved independently from two different ancestors.
• C) The traits may not be homologous.
• D) One of the traits could have reverted to an ancestral state.
• E) All of the above

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Definitions:

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, helping fight infection by ingesting microorganisms.

Myeloblasts

Immature bone marrow cells that are precursors to granulocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infection.

Lymphoblasts

Immature cells that develop into lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell in the immune system.

Fibrin

Elastic filamentous protein derived from fibrinogen by the action of thrombin, which releases peptides from fibrinogen in coagulation of the blood.