Question

Convergent evolution is illustrated by
A. Rat and dog
B. Bacterium and protozoan
C. Starfish and cuttlefish
D. Dogfish and whale

Answer 1

The differences in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations is called evolution. The expression of genes that are inherited by the offspring from the parents is responsible for the characteristics of an offspring. Evolutionary processes such as natural selection also play a vital role in evolution.

Complete answer: Evolution can be defined as the change in the inherited characteristics over a successive period of time. Various factors such as mutation, genetics, and other sources of genetic variation are responsible for the evolution to occur. These factors have shown 3 types of evolution. They are divergent evolution, convergent evolution, and parallel evolution. The evolutionary pattern in which two species gradually become increasingly different is called divergent evolution. When closely related species diversify to new habitats divergent evolution occurs. The evolution of apes and humans from common primate ancestors is an example of divergent evolution. The independent evolution of similar features in species of different epochs in time or period is called convergent evolution. In convergent evolution species of different ancestry have analogous traits. Dogfish and whale are an example of convergent evolution as they have similar characteristics. In parallel evolution, two species evolve independently of each other and maintain the same level of similarity. Therefore, dogfish and whale illustrates convergent evolution.
So, option D is the correct answer.

Note: Convergent evolution makes the comparative study of anatomy difficult. Analogous structures are created in convergent evolution. Analogous structure refers to a similar form of structure but has different functions. Divergent evolution is the opposite of convergent evolution in which related species evolve different traits.