 In a phylogenetic context, homologies are regarded as the result of descent with modification from common ancestors. Similarity and identity, in that context, is an expression of shared evolutionary history. At the same time, homologies are also treated as hypotheses from which we can infer phylogenetic hypotheses (and, subsequently, both test and explain our hypotheses of homology). Clearly, even in a contemporary phylogenetic context, questions remain on how to individuate characters and identify homologies. Richards (2002, 2003) worries that since there is no algorithm for individuating characters, we rely on illegitimate, nonscientific factors rendering character identification and phylogenetic analysis ultimately subjective. Rieppel and Kearney (2007) and Winther (2009) respond that character analysis can be considered objective since it relies on various kinds of causal criteria; Kendig (2016) adopts a slightly different strategy, rejecting the idea that we need to develop an analytic definition of “homology”, instead looking to biological practice as a guide for individuating characters.