Question

Parallel evolution is

• A. Adaptive divergence
• B. Adaptive convergence
• C. Evolution of similar species simultaneously in two different geographical areas
• D. Evolution of similar species simultaneously in the same geographical area

Answer 1

The correct option is C Evolution of similar species simultaneously in two different geographical areas

Parallel evolution refers to the kind of evolution wherein a particular species, whose population got split up due to a geographical separation of the landmass, evolves into different, but similar species on the respective landmasses. For instance, when the ancient landmasses of Laurasia and Gondwana broke apart to form separate continents, the marsupials were also divided into two groups. While one group of marsupials was isolated on the Australian island, the other group remained in South America. Thereafter, the marsupials on both these continents evolved in a parallel manner.