Convergent Evolution Worksheet
Explore the concept of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
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Convergent Evolution Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will assess your understanding of convergent evolution.
1. Which of the following best describes convergent evolution?
The process by which two or more species diverge from a common ancestor.
The independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages.
The development of homologous structures in closely related species.
The loss of ancestral traits in a population over time.
2. The streamlined body shapes of dolphins and sharks are an example of evolution, as they both adapted to aquatic environments.
3. Structures that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins are known as structures.
4. Convergent evolution always occurs between species that share a recent common ancestor.
True
False
5. Provide an example of convergent evolution not mentioned in the worksheet, and explain why it is considered convergent.
Match each term with its correct definition.
6. Analogous Structures
a. Structures with similar origins but different functions.
7. Homologous Structures
b. Structures with similar functions but different origins.