Final answer:
A collection of similar genes in a species is known as a gene family, which indicates homologous characteristics and shared evolutionary pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
A collection of two or more genes in a particular species that are similar to each other is known as a gene family. Genes within a gene family are homologous, meaning they share a common ancestor and often have similar functions. This concept is critical in the field of genomics and understanding evolutionary relationships between organisms.
For example, a very well conserved gene within a gene family among different species suggests a similar evolutionary pathway or a shared function, which is a homologous characteristic linked to the deep past of these organisms.