Correct option is D
Homoplasy refers to the independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated lineages, typically due to convergent evolution or parallel evolution. It occurs when similar traits evolve in different species but are not derived from a common ancestral trait. The concept of parsimony in phylogenetic analysis involves the idea of choosing the simplest explanation for a character's evolution, such as minimizing the number of evolutionary steps. However, parsimony itself does not explain similarity due to homoplasy but is instead a method used to infer the simplest evolutionary scenarios. Therefore, option (d) is not true because homoplasy does not involve similarity due to parsimony, but rather due to convergent or parallel evolution.
Information Booster:
- Convergent evolution happens when similar environmental pressures lead to the evolution of similar traits in species from different evolutionary backgrounds.
- Parallel evolution refers to the independent evolution of similar traits in closely related species due to similar selective pressures.
- Parsimony is a principle used in phylogenetic analysis, not a cause of homoplasy. It prefers the simplest evolutionary explanation with the least number of changes.
- Homoplasy contrasts with homology, which refers to traits inherited from a common ancestor.
Additional Information:
Option (a) - It represents an independent acquisition of traits in unrelated lineages: This statement is true. Homoplasy involves the independent acquisition of similar traits in unrelated lineages.
Option (b) - It refers to a character shared by a set of species but not present in their common ancestor: This is true. Homoplasy refers to traits that appear in multiple species but are not inherited from their common ancestor.
Option (c) - It refers to a character state that evolved because of convergent evolution: This is true. Homoplasy often results from convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental or ecological pressures.
