What is convergent evolution?
Q: What is convergent evolution?
A: Convergent evolution is a process in biology where two species from different lines develop the same traits or features due to living in similar habitats and having to develop solutions to the same kind of problems.
Q: Why does convergent evolution occur?
A: It occurs because two species live in similar habitats and have to develop solutions to the same kind of problems.
Q: How can similarity in traits occur?
A: Similarity in traits can occur in two ways. Both species might have acquired the trait by descent from a common ancestor, or both might be independent adaptations to similar conditions in their habitat.
Q: What are homologous structures?
A: Homologous structures are structures that are similar because both species have acquired the trait by descent from a common ancestor.
Q: Give an example of a homologous structure.
A: An example of a homologous structure is the tetrapod limb, which has been inherited from early tetrapods in the late Devonian/early Carboniferous, about 360 million years ago.
Q: What are analogous structures?
A: Analogous structures are structures that are similar because they are independent adaptations to similar conditions in their habitat.
Q: What does convergent evolution lead to?
A: Convergent evolution leads to analogous features.
