Question

Which of the following options gives correct example each of convergent evolution and divergent evolution?

• A. $\begin{array}{cccc}& \text{Convergent Evolution}& & \text{Divergent evolution}\\ & \text{Eyes of octopus and}& & \text{Bones of forelimbs in}\\ & \text{mammals}& & \text{vertebrates}\end{array}$
• B. $\begin{array}{cccc}& \text{Convergent Evolution}& & \text{Divergent evolution}\\ & \text{Thorns of}Bougainvillea& & \text{Wings of butterfly and birds}\\ & \text{and tendrils of}Cucurbita& & \end{array}$
• C. $\begin{array}{cccc}& \text{Convergent Evolution}& & \text{Divergent evolution}\\ & \text{Bones of forelimbs in}& & \text{Wings of butterfly and birds}\\ & \text{vertebrates}& & \end{array}$
• D. $\begin{array}{cccc}& \text{Convergent Evolution}& & \text{Divergent evolution}\\ & \text{Thorms of}Bougainvillea& & \text{Eyes of octopus and}\\ & \text{and tendrils of}Cucurbita& & \text{mammals}\end{array}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $\begin{array}{cccc}& \text{Convergent Evolution}& & \text{Divergent evolution}\\ & \text{Eyes of octopus and}& & \text{Bones of forelimbs in}\\ & \text{mammals}& & \text{vertebrates}\end{array}$

Convergent evolution is the evolution where different structures evolve in a way so as to achieve the same function. It is represented by analogous organs, e.g., eyes of octopus and mammals, wings of insects and birds.

In divergent evolution, same basic organ becomes adapted by specialisation to perform different functions. It is represented by homologous organs, e.g., forelimbs of vertebrates (like seal’s flipper, bat’s wing, cat’s paw, horse’s front leg and human hand), thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita.