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Similar traits that evolve ____________ in unrelated species are called ____________ traits.

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Final answer:

Similar traits that develop independently in unrelated species due to convergent evolution are known as analogous traits, exemplified by the wings of bats and insects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Similar traits that evolve convergently in unrelated species are called analogous traits. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms, independently adapt to similar environmental pressures, resulting in the development of similar structures or functions. For instance, the wings of bats and insects are used for flying but have different embryonic origins and structural developments, showcasing that despite the similarity in function, they do not share a common ancestor for these traits. This emphasizes that analogous traits are a result of convergent evolution, fostering similarities in unrelated lineages due to similar ecological roles or environmental challenges.

Another example illustrating analogous structures includes the streamlined body shapes of fishes and whales. Both have adapted to efficiently move through water despite being only distantly related. Within these convergent evolutions, their structures have become superficially similar but have a different ancestry, highlighting their analogous nature.

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