Question

Closely related species with different traits exhibit -

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Divergent evolution
• C. All of the above
• D. Parallel evolution

Answer 1

The correct option is B Divergent evolution

Divergent evolution is the process whereby groups from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, resulting in the formation of new species. For example, two species that are very closely related and have undergone divergent evolution are the kit fox and the Arctic fox. The kit fox is native to Western North America, and is adapted to desert environments; it has sandy coloration, and large ears, which help it to remove excess body heat. The Arctic fox is native to Arctic regions and lives in the Arctic tundra biome of the Northern Hemisphere. Best adapted to cold climates, it has thick fur, which is white in the winter and brown in the summer, and a small, round body shape that minimizes heat loss.

Convergent evolution occurs when different organisms independently evolve similar traits.
Parallel evolution ccurs when similar development of traits occur in species that are not closely related.

So, the correct answer is- divergent evolution.