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Multiple Choice
What is an example of convergent evolution?
A
The wings of bats and birds
B
The evolution of the eye in vertebrates
C
The presence of gills in fish and amphibians
D
The development of opposable thumbs in primates
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of convergent evolution: It refers to the process where organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.
Identify the key characteristic of convergent evolution: The organisms involved do not share a recent common ancestor, but they develop similar features or functions.
Analyze the given examples: Look for traits that have evolved independently in different lineages due to similar environmental pressures.
Consider the wings of bats and birds: Both have wings that allow them to fly, but bats are mammals and birds are avians, indicating that their wings evolved independently.
Conclude that the wings of bats and birds are an example of convergent evolution, as they developed similar structures for flight independently in different evolutionary lineages.