Question

What is convergent evolution? Give an example.

Short answer

Convergent evolution is an evolutionary process by which unrelated organisms independently develop similar traits as a result of adapting to similar environments or ecological niches. A well-known example of convergent evolution is the independent development of wings in birds and bats. Both groups adapted to the same functional constraints related to powered flight, but evolved different structures, with birds having feathered wings and bats having elongated fingers covered with skin.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Convergent Evolution

Convergent evolution is an evolutionary process by which unrelated organisms independently develop similar traits as a result of adapting to similar environments or ecological niches. This phenomenon occurs when different species face similar environmental challenges and pressures, leading to the evolution of parallel structures or functions through natural selection, rather than having a common ancestor with the same trait.

Example of Convergent Evolution

One well-known example of convergent evolution involves the similarities between the wings of bats and birds. While birds and mammals have a common ancestor, their wings have evolved independently from each other, as both groups have adapted to the same functional constraints related to powered flight. Birds have feathers on their wings and their forelimbs are completely adapted for flight, whereas bats are mammals with elongated finger bones covered with skin that allows them to fly. Both bird wings and bat wings have evolved independently to perform the same function - flight - in response to similar environmental pressures, exemplifying the concept of convergent evolution.