Chapter 7: Problem 9

Give an example of evolutionary convergence.

Short Answer

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An example of evolutionary convergence is the development of wings in birds, bats, and insects. Although these species are not closely related, they independently evolved wings for powered flight due to similar environmental pressures such as navigation, predator evasion, and foraging for food. While their wings share a similar function, their anatomy and development differ due to their distinct evolutionary paths.

Step by step solution

Introduce the concept of evolutionary convergence

Evolutionary convergence is an interesting phenomenon observed in biology, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. It suggests that despite being from different lineages, species can independently evolve comparable adaptations to tackle similar challenges.

Choose an example of evolutionary convergence

An often-cited example of evolutionary convergence is the development of wings in birds, bats, and insects. Even though these species are not closely related, they all evolved distinct types of wings due to the shared need for powered flight.

Describe the species involved in the chosen example

In our chosen example, we will analyze the following three species: 1. Birds: Birds, belonging to the class Aves, have evolved feathered wings for powered flight. They are warm-blooded and are characterized by their beaks and oviparous reproduction (laying eggs). 2. Bats: Bats are mammals (class Mammalia) that have evolved membranous wings supported by elongated finger bones. They are also warm-blooded and give birth to live young ones, who get nourishment through milk produced by the females. 3. Insects: Insects, belonging to the class Insecta, have evolved wings made of a thin, flexible, and strong structure called chitin. They are generally cold-blooded and reproduce by laying eggs.

Explain the similar environmental pressure

In each of these species, the need for powered flight arose due to various advantages it provides, such as efficient navigation through the environment, evasion from predators, or foraging for food. Over millions of years, evolution guided these creatures towards developing wings as a solution for achieving flight.

Describe the independent evolution

Despite being from different lineages and having different bodily structures, birds, bats, and insects all independently evolved wings through natural selection. This convergence demonstrates that similar environmental pressures can result in analogous adaptations even in unrelated species. While the wings of these species have similarities in function, their anatomy and development are different due to their distinct evolutionary paths. By observing the evolution of wings in birds, bats, and insects, we can gain an understanding of how evolutionary convergence can lead to the development of similar traits in unrelated species, in response to similar environmental pressures.

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Give an example of evolutionary convergence.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduce the concept of evolutionary convergence

Choose an example of evolutionary convergence

Describe the species involved in the chosen example

Explain the similar environmental pressure

Describe the independent evolution

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