A functional group is a collection of organisms that share characteristics within a community. Ideally, these would perform equivalent tasks based on domain forces, rather than a common ancestor or evolutionary relationship. This could potentially lead to analogous structures that overrule the possibility of homology. More specifically, these beings produce resembling effects to external factors of an inhabiting system.[1] Due to the fact that a majority of these creatures share an ecological niche, it is practical to assume they require similar structures in order to achieve the greatest amount of fitness. This refers to such as the ability to successfully reproduce to create offspring, and furthermore sustain life by avoiding predators and sharing meals.
- ^ "Chapter 2: Functional Groups." Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 9-25. Print.