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Which statement regarding fish eyes and octopus eyes is most accurate?

a. They are similar in gross appearance and functional performance but differ in their adaptive significance and mechanisms.
b. They are similar in gross appearance, functional performance, and adaptive significance but differ in their mechanisms.
c. They are similar in gross appearance, functional performance, adaptive significance, and mechanism.
d. They differ in gross appearance, functional performance, and adaptive significance, but are similar in their mechanisms.

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Fish eyes and octopus eyes have similar appearance and function, evolving similarly due to environmental pressures, yet their underlying mechanisms differ due to their separate evolutionary paths, making it an example of convergent evolution. Dolphin and fish body shapes are analogously similar, having independently evolved streamlined bodies for swimming.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate statement regarding fish eyes and octopus eyes is: b. They are similar in gross appearance, functional performance, and adaptive significance but differ in their mechanisms. Fish and octopuses both have well-developed, image-forming eyes including a cornea, lens, and retina. However, the evolutionary development of these eyes has followed very different paths; fish eyes are more typical of vertebrates while octopus eyes are cephalopod adaptations. This is an example of convergent evolution, where different organisms develop similar adaptations independently to cope with similar environmental challenges - such as the need for vision in water.

Regarding dolphins and fish, the similarity in their body shapes is an analogous trait because it has arisen due to convergent evolution rather than from a recent common ancestor. Both dolphins (mammals) and fish (vertebrates of a different class) have evolved streamlined bodies to effectively move through water, yet their evolutionary paths are quite separate.

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