What is it a homology derived characteristic and what is an analogy derived characteristic?

Answer 1

A homology derived characteristic is a trait that two or more species share because they inherited it from a common ancestor. These characteristics are considered to be homologous and indicate evolutionary relatedness. For example, the presence of a backbone in vertebrates is a homology derived characteristic because all vertebrates inherited this trait from a common ancestor.

An analogy derived characteristic, on the other hand, is a trait that two or more species share because they independently evolved similar adaptations to a similar environment or ecological niche. These characteristics are considered to be analogous and do not indicate evolutionary relatedness. For example, the wings of birds and bats are analogous characteristics because they evolved independently in both groups to adapt to flying, despite the fact that birds and bats are not closely related.