Distinguishing between convergence and parallelism is central to comparative biology: A reply to Williams and Ebach

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. © 2007 The Willi Hennig Society.