homology in biogeography and biology

[Richard Jensen]

I have no difficulty understanding what John Grehan means by homology in
the context of biogeography.  The word (as do so many words that we
use; context is critical) has both general and special
meanings.  The general meaning is "a similarity reflecting common origin"
(or something roughly akin to that), while the special meaning, in the
context of the evolution of living organisms, is that of "features having
a common evolutionary origin."

Grehan's usage certainly is consistent with the general meaning of
homology and I can see how someone could make the argument that two
biogeographic distributions have a common origin.

Richard J. Jensen      |   E-MAIL: rjensen at saintmarys.edu
Dept. of Biology       |   TELEPHONE: 219-284-4674
Saint Mary's College   |   FAX: 219-284-4716
Notre Dame, IN  46556  |