Distinguishing between convergence and parallelism is central to comparative biology: a reply to Williams and Ebach |
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| Authors: | Laure Desutter-Grandcolas Frédéric Legendre Philippe Grandcolas Tony Robillard Jérôme Murienne |
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| Institution: | Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Département Systématique et Evolution, UMR 5202 CNRS, CP 50 (Entomologie), 45 rue Buffon, F?75231 Paris cedex 05, France;;University of Missouri, Division of Biological Sciences, 215 Tucker Hall, Columbia MO 65211, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | The definitions of character similarity, homology, homoplasy, heterology, parallelism and convergence are clarified in the framework of current phylogenetic methodology. They are all associated with definite patterns of character change and can consequently be tested by phylogeny building. Their crucial significance in comparative biology is illustrated using demonstrative examples. © The Willi Hennig Society 2006. |
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