Both the flying squirrel and a sugar glider are nocturnal, tree dwelling mammals that seem to resemble one another very closely in body shape, color and behavior. They live in similar environments and fill similar roles in their respective food chains. When their evolutionary background is examined, it turns out that they are not closely related. What could account for the common characteristics that they possess?
A. Coevolution
B.Divergent evolution
C.Adaptive radiation
D.Convergent evolution
E.None of the above explain their physical similarity.
2007-12-27 13:05:40 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
D - Similarities among unrelated species are convergent evolution by definition.
2007-12-27 13:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by Hermoderus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How would you define the terms? Look for the key words or parts of words: COevolution; DIVERGENT evolution; adaptive RADIATION; CONVERGENT evolution. When you know what these things indicate, the question is much easier to figure out an answer to. So, _co_evolution; when something is "co", what does that indicate? co-operation; co-precipitation; co-educational; etc. How about divergent vs. convergent? And what does "radiation" imply about the adaptations? You can do it!
2007-12-27 21:21:40 · answer #2 · answered by John R 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋