Sharks and dolphins, though distantly related, both possess streamlined bodies and fins, adaptations suited for efficient swimming in marine environments. What evolutionary process... Sharks and dolphins, though distantly related, both possess streamlined bodies and fins, adaptations suited for efficient swimming in marine environments. What evolutionary process explains these similarities?
Understand the Problem
The question asks us to identify the evolutionary process that explains the physical similarities (streamlined bodies and fins) between sharks and dolphins, despite their distant relation.
Answer
The evolutionary process is convergent evolution.
The evolutionary process that explains the similarities between sharks and dolphins, such as their streamlined bodies and fins, is called convergent evolution. This is where unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches.
Answer for screen readers
The evolutionary process that explains the similarities between sharks and dolphins, such as their streamlined bodies and fins, is called convergent evolution. This is where unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches.
More Information
Convergent evolution often results in analogous structures, which are features that have similar functions but evolved independently in different lineages. This contrasts with homologous structures, which share a common ancestry.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that similar traits in different species always indicate a close evolutionary relationship. Convergent evolution demonstrates that similar traits can arise independently.
Sources
- Homology or convergent trait? - Understanding Evolution - evolution.berkeley.edu
- Defining Convergent Evolution - FasterCapital - fastercapital.com
- Homology or convergent trait? - Understanding Evolution - evolution.berkeley.edu
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