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The Nervous Systems of Invertebrates: An Evolutionary and Comparative Approach pp 425–438Cite as

The homology concept — still alive

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Part of the book series: Experientia Supplementum ((EXS,volume 72))

Summary

A typical definition of homology which allows phylogenetic inferences is “homologous features in two or more organisms are those that stem phylogenetically from the same feature in the immediate common ancestor of those organisms”.

Similarity of all kind is a proper (and possibly the only) valid empirical test of homology. “Similarity” should, therefore, not be part of the definition. Shared embryological fate is just one kind of similarity which is a strong, but by no means the only, indication of homology.

“Homology” and “synapomorhy” are separate concepts. They are empirically tested by different methods (similarity versus outgroup comparison). “Synapomorphy” does refer to monophyly of a certain taxon, while “homology” does not.

Within a phylogenetic approach, homologizing parts of the same individual or of individuals of the same species makes no sense. Thus, “serial homology” (homonomy) is of no help in phylogenetic systematics.

“Homology” can and may be defined in different ways. However, it is crucial that (1) the possible conclusions to be drawn from a statement on homology are limited by the definition, and (2) the diagnosis of homology — the empirical test — is kept strictly independent from the definition of homology.

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  1. Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenaueralle 160, D-53113, Bonn, Germany

    M. Schmitt

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  1. M. Schmitt
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  1. Fakultät und Institut für Mathematik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, NA 5-26, D-44801, Bochum, Germany

    O. Breidbach

  2. Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, D-78464, Konstanz, Germany

    W. Kutsch

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Schmitt, M. (1995). The homology concept — still alive. In: Breidbach, O., Kutsch, W. (eds) The Nervous Systems of Invertebrates: An Evolutionary and Comparative Approach. Experientia Supplementum, vol 72. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-9219-3_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-9219-3_19

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-9949-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-9219-3

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