Convergent Evolution Worksheet
Explore the concept of convergent evolution through examples and critical thinking questions for Grade 9 science students.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Convergent Evolution
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will test your understanding of convergent evolution.
1. Which of the following best defines convergent evolution?
When two species evolve similar traits due to a shared common ancestor.
When two unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
When a species evolves new traits to adapt to a changing environment.
When a species loses traits over time due to lack of use.
2. The streamlined body shapes of sharks and dolphins are an example of:
Divergent evolution
Convergent evolution
Coevolution
Genetic drift
3. Convergent evolution occurs when organisms related evolve similar adaptations to similar environmental .
4. The wings of bats and insects are considered structures, which is evidence of convergent evolution.
5. Convergent evolution leads to homologous structures.
True
False
6. The eyes of octopuses and humans are an example of convergent evolution.
True
False
7. Explain why the similar appearance of sharks and dolphins is considered an example of convergent evolution, even though they belong to different biological classes.
8. Discuss at least two other examples of convergent evolution found in nature and explain the environmental pressures that led to these similar adaptations.