Question

Tendrils in plants are an example of

• A. Adaptive radiation
• B. Convergent evolution
• C. Coevolution
• D. Divergent evolution

Answer 1

The correct option is B Convergent evolution

Adaptive radiation results in diversification of a species into a number of closely related species, occupying different niches, but same geographical area. Example Darwin’s finches

Evolution of one species influences the evolution of another species, this is called coevolution. Example: Flowering plants and bees.

Convergent evolution is the development of similar functional structures in unrelated organisms due to similar adaptations. Analogous organs are different structurally but perform the same function,they lead to convergent evolution. The tendrils in plants can either be stem tendrils as in Passiflora or leaf tendril as in Pisum sativum but both perform the same function of support.

Divergent evolution results in the formation of different functional structures as an adaptation to the environment in species having common ancestors.