6.Evolution
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Which one of the following options gives one correct example each of convergent evolution and divergent evolution ?

A

Eyes of octopus $→$ Bones of forelimbsof mammals andvertebrates

B

Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita $→$ Wings of butterflies and bird

C

Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates $→$ Wings of butterfly and birds

D

Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita $→$ Eyes of octopus and mammals

(AIPMT-2012)

Solution

(a) : Development of similar adaptive functional structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called convergent evolution. It shows analogy. Examples are wings of butterfly and birds, eye of the octopus and the mammals, flippers of penguins & dolphins, etc. On the other hand, divergent evolution involves development of different functional structures along different directions due to adaptations to different needs from a common ancestral form. For example, forelimbs of vertebrates (whales, bat, cheetah, human). Though these perform different functions, they have similar anatomical structures.

Standard 12
Biology

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