Question

The wings of insects and birds have become flat, large and streamlined, this represent a case of:

• A. Divergent evolution
• B. Neutral evolution
• C. Parallel evolution
• D. Convergent evolution

Answer 1

The correct option is D Convergent evolution

The basic structure of the wings of insects is quite different from that of the wings of birds, but they perform similar functions. The basic structure of both species are anatomically dissimilar as they do not share common ancestors but they perform the same functions (i.e., they are used for flying). So structures which are not anatomically similar but perform the same functions are termed analogous. Analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution.
When convergent evolution is found in closely related species it is called “parallel evolution”.
Homologous structures are just the opposite of analogous structures, meaning they have a common ancestral history. Here due to common ancestry ,the same structure develops along different directions due to different adaptation needs. This type of evolution is called divergent evolution.