Question

Sharks and dolphins (aquatic mammals) have fairly similar morphology, the result of living in the same environment. However, many of these similarities are superficial. Which is the MOST DERIVED trait that sharks and dolphins share

Answer 1

The most derived shared by dolphins and sharks is that both are streamline swimmers with smooth skin and have water slicing fins used for chasing down preys.

This is an example of convergent evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Convergent evolution is a trait of evolution which occurs when different organisms independently evolve similar traits. Sharks and dolphins are example of convergent evolution. Both sharks and dolphins have similar body forms yet they are only distantly related.

Sharks are known as egg-laying fish which has a deadly ability to sniff out blood in water while dolphins are curious mammals that navigate by making clicking sound and listening to their echoes.

These similarities(streamline swimmers with smooth skin) are as a result of both population being exposed to the same selective pressure. Both groups have water slicing fins that aids swimming. Thus, sharks and dolphins develop similar appearances even though they are not closely related.

Answer 2

Answer: shape- torpedo shaped , Fins- dorsal and side fins

Step-by-step explanation:

Dolphin is a part of the Cetacean family, which also includes whales and porpoises while sharks are cartilaginous fishes of the class Chondrichthyes which means they have skeletons that are made of cartilage rather than bone. Shark and dolphin tends to look alike although the are not related but because they share the same habitat and have some similar body features such as Body shape, fin and tail they are mostly grouped together as the same.

natural selection favored a particular shape over other shapes for rapid movement through the seas and fin which made them a predator in the ocean this makes them look similar.