Convergent Evolution Worksheet
This worksheet explores the concept of convergent evolution, where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
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Convergent Evolution
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability.
1. Which of the following best defines convergent evolution?
The process where two species evolve from a common ancestor.
The independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages.
The loss of traits in a species over time.
The diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.
2. Structures that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins are called structures.
3. Convergent evolution often occurs when different species adapt to similar pressures.
4. Explain the difference between homologous and analogous structures, providing an example for each.
5. Convergent evolution indicates a close evolutionary relationship between the species involved.
True
False
6. Give an example of convergent evolution found in nature and describe the similar environmental pressures that led to these adaptations.