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The types of homology and their significance for evolutionary biology and phylogenetics
Author(s) -
Haszprunar Gerhard
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.289
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1420-9101
pISSN - 1010-061X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1420-9101.1992.5010013.x
Subject(s) - biology , homology (biology) , comparative biology , phylogenetic tree , phylogenetics , evolutionary biology , computational biology , zoology , genetics , gene
This paper comments on recently revived discussion about the most adequate definition of homology. Homologues are considered as similarities of complex structures or patterns which are based on a continuity of biological information or instruction. Dependent on the level of comparison four types of homology are defined: (1) Iterative ( = serial = homonomy), (2) ontogenetic, (3) di‐ or polymorphic, and (4) supraspecific homology. The significance of all four types for evolutionary biology and phylogenetic analysis is outlined.