The following text discusses evolutionary biology.
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species independently develop similar traits in response to similar environments. Dolphins and sharks, for example, have comparable streamlined bodies despite having no recent common ancestor. This phenomenon demonstrates that evolution is not random but shaped by environmental pressures that favor certain solutions. When facing similar challenges, natural selection often arrives at similar answers, regardless of the organisms' evolutionary histories.
What does the text say convergent evolution demonstrates?
All species share a recent common ancestor
Evolution is primarily driven by random chance
Similar environmental challenges often lead to similar evolutionary solutions
Dolphins and sharks are closely related species
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the correct answer. The text explicitly states that "evolution is not random but shaped by environmental pressures" and that similar challenges lead to "similar answers."
- Evidence: Environmental pressures favor certain solutions; similar challenges, similar answers.
- Reasoning: Convergent evolution shows environmental shaping of traits.
- Conclusion: Similar environments produce similar evolutionary outcomes.
Choice A is incorrect because the text emphasizes "no recent common ancestor." Choice B is incorrect because the text says evolution "is not random." Choice D is incorrect because they lack recent common ancestry.