Convergent Evolution Worksheet
Explore the concept of convergent evolution through examples and critical thinking questions for Grade 11 science students.
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Convergent Evolution: Form Follows Function
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers based on your understanding of convergent evolution.
1. Convergent evolution is the process whereby organisms not closely related, independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar or environments.
2. The similar structures that arise through convergent evolution are called structures, in contrast to homologous structures.
3. Which of the following is the best example of convergent evolution?
The arm of a human and the wing of a bat.
The spines of a cactus and the thorns of a rose.
The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect.
The flippers of a dolphin and the fins of a fish.
4. Explain why the streamlined body shapes of sharks (fish) and dolphins (mammals) are considered an example of convergent evolution. What selective pressures led to this adaptation?
5. Convergent evolution indicates a recent common ancestor between the organisms exhibiting similar traits.
True
False
6. Briefly differentiate between convergent evolution and divergent evolution, providing an example for each.