Which type of evolution describes the evolution of species that develop similar traits due to similar selection pressures?

Which type of evolution describes the evolution of species that develop similar traits due to similar selection pressures?

• A. Divergent Evolution
• B. Adaptive Radiation
• C. Convergent Evolution
• D. Natural Selection

Answer: (C)

The evolution of species that develop similar traits due to similar selection pressures is referred to as convergent evolution. This process occurs when different species face similar environmental challenges and independently evolve similar adaptations or characteristics to cope with those challenges. A classic example of this is the evolution of wings in both bats and birds. Although they belong to different lineages, both have developed wings to allow them to fly in response to the selective pressures of their environments. This phenomenon is distinct from other forms of evolution. For instance, divergent evolution occurs when two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often resulting from different adaptations to different environments. Adaptive radiation involves a single ancestor species evolving into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments, which is more about diversification rather than the development of similar traits. Natural selection refers more broadly to the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantages in survival and reproduction, but it does not specifically denote the convergence of traits in unrelated species.

The evolution of species that develop similar traits due to similar selection pressures is referred to as convergent evolution. This process occurs when different species face similar environmental challenges and independently evolve similar adaptations or characteristics to cope with those challenges. A classic example of this is the evolution of wings in both bats and birds. Although they belong to different lineages, both have developed wings to allow them to fly in response to the selective pressures of their environments.

This phenomenon is distinct from other forms of evolution. For instance, divergent evolution occurs when two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often resulting from different adaptations to different environments. Adaptive radiation involves a single ancestor species evolving into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments, which is more about diversification rather than the development of similar traits. Natural selection refers more broadly to the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantages in survival and reproduction, but it does not specifically denote the convergence of traits in unrelated species.