Question

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

• A. Convergent evolution - Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates
  Divergent evolution - Wings of butterfly and birds
• B. Convergent evolution - Thorns of Bougainvillia and tendrils of Cucurbita
  Divergent evolution - Eyes of octopus and mammals
• C. Convergent evolution - Eyes of octopus and mammals
  Divergent evolution - Bones of forelimpbs of vertebrates
• D. Convergent evolution - Thorns of Bougainvillia and tendrils of Cucurbita
  Divergent evolution - Wings of butterflies and birds

Answer 1

The correct option is C Convergent evolution - Eyes of octopus and mammals

Divergent evolution - Bones of forelimpbs of vertebrates
Development of similar adaptive functional structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called convergent evolution. It shows analogy. Examples are wings of butterfly and birds, the eye of octopus and the mammals, flippers of penguins and dolphins, etc.
On the other hand, divergent evolution involves the development of different functional structures along different needs from a common ancestral form. For example forelimbs of vertebrates (whales, bats, cheetah, human). Though these perform different functions, they have similar anatomical structure.