Which term refers to traits that are derived from a common ancestor?

The term that refers to traits derived from a common ancestor is homologous characteristics. These traits demonstrate evolutionary relationships between species, indicating that they share a common lineage. For example, the forelimbs of mammals, birds, and reptiles exhibit similar structural features, even though they may serve different functions; this structural similarity highlights their shared ancestry.

In contrast, homologous traits suggest a deep evolutionary connection, allowing scientists to trace lineage and understand the evolutionary history of different organisms. Understanding homologous characteristics is crucial for developing phylogenetic trees and studying evolutionary biology.

The other terms mentioned differ significantly in meaning. Taxa refer to groups or categories in biological classification rather than the characteristics that arise from common ancestry. Analogous characteristics arise independently in different species due to convergent evolution and do not indicate a common ancestor. Convergent traits, similarly, refer to features that evolve independently in unrelated species under similar environmental pressures rather than from a shared evolutionary path.