Question

Which of the following examples describes convergent evolution?

a) Many crustaceans (for example, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish) use their tails to swim, but crabs have reduced tails that curl under their shells that are not used
b) Mediterranean ecosystems with hot dry summers and fire can be found on various continents across the globe. Plants in these ecosystems have evolved similar adaptations to survive these circumstances
c) The distinctive species of finch inhabiting the Galapagos Islands all originated from a single common ancestor but each adapted to a specific food type on these islands
d) Echidnas are egg-laying mammals that live in Australia and New Guinea. They are sometimes referred to as spiny anteaters since they are covered in spines and mostly eat ants and termites. As such they resemble South American anteaters and hedgehogs but are not closely related them. Instead, echidnas descended from an aquatic platypus-like ancestor.
e) Both b) and d) are examples of convergent evolution

Answer 1

Answer: Option E (B and D are the only examples.

Mediterranean ecosystem with hot dry summer and fire can be found on various continents across the globe. Plants in these ecosystem have evolve similar adaptations to survive these circumstances.

Echidnas are egg laying mammals that live in Australia and new Guinea. They are sometimes known as spiny anteaters since they are covered in spines and mostly eat ants and termites. As such they resemble south American anteaters and hedgehogs but are not closely related to them. Instead echidnas descended from an aquatic platypus like ancestor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Divergent evolution is a process where different organisms with different anscetors evolve independently and develop similar traits due to their adaptation to similar environment.

Another example is the similarities between hummingbird and hummingbird moth, the evolved from different ancestors and yet posses similar characteristics.