Question

Development of a similar trait in related but distinct species is called _______.

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

Answer 1

The correct option is C Parallel evolution

• Parallel evolution is defined as the development of a similar trait in related but distinct species. The species descend from a similar ancestor, but they belong to different clades. The ancestors have similar traits which are inherited in the species.
• Divergent evolution is when the ancestor has similar traits, and the inherited species has dissimilar traits. The process of divergent evolution produces homologous structures (similar structures but different functions due to common ancestry at some point in time).
  
• Convergent evolution is the evolution in which the ancestor has different traits, but the inherited species have the same traits.

So, the correct answer is option C.