Based on this information, this distinctive feature most likely represents a character that spread from an ANALOGOUS character. They are present in unrelated species.
An analogy is a structure observed in unrelated species that emerged as a consequence of adaptation to similar environmental conditions.
Analogous structures often exhibit the same function but they do not have a common evolutionary origin.
Conversely, homo-logies are structures that may or may not have the same function but they are present in a common ancestor.
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