Question

Cacti are native to deserts in the Americas, whereas cactus-like euphorbs are native to African deserts. The two plant groups are not closely related, and the euphorbs have normal broad-leaved plants such as the Christmas poinsettia in their ancestry. The most likely explanation for the similarity of some euphorbs to cacti is __________.

A. convergent evolution
B. coevolution
C. homology
D. a founder effect

Answer 1

The similarity of some euphorbs to cacti is best explained by convergent evolution, which stems from adaptations to similar arid environments despite these plants not being closely related.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely explanation for the similarity of some euphorbs to cacti is convergent evolution. This occurs when two unrelated species evolve similar traits independently, often because they live in similar environments and face similar pressures.

In the case of cacti and euphorbs, both groups have adapted to arid conditions, leading to similar physical characteristics such as unbranched stems, lack of typical leaves, and the presence of spines for water conservation. Despite these superficial similarities, they are not closely related, as cacti are native to the Americas while euphorbs are native to African deserts and have broad-leaved plants like the Christmas poinsettia in their ancestry.