Convergent Evolution:

Question 1

What is convergent evolution?

Answer 1

Convergent evolution if the independant evolution of similar traits in distantly related species that occupy similar environments or face comparable selective pressures

Question 2

Give an example of convergent evolution from the Early Cambrian.

Answer 2

The evolution of hard body parts and complex eyes in various marine organisms, including Arthropods and Molluscs.

Question 3

When did endothermy evolve in mammals and birds?

Answer 3

In mammals around 250 mya and in birds around 75 mya

Question 4

Provide examples of convergent evolution in flight.

Answer 4

Flight evolved independently in pterosaurs (250 mya), birds (150 mya), and bats (50 mya).

Question 5

How does convergent evolution illustrate determinism?

Answer 5

Convergent evolution shows that similar environmental pressures lead to the independent evolution of analogous traits across unrelated lineages, indicating predictable adaptive solutions.

Question 6

What does the ubiquity of convergent traits suggest about evolutionary processes?

Answer 6

The repeated emergence of similar traits in response to comparable selective pressures implies that there are limited adaptive solutions, supporting a deterministic view of evolution.

Question 7

What does the ubiquity of convergent traits suggest about evolutionary processes?

Answer 7

The repeated emergence of similar traits in response to comparable selective pressures implies that there are limited adaptive solutions, supporting a deterministic view of evolution.

Question 8

When did streamlined body forms evolve?

Answer 8

Early fish: Camrbian (540-490 mya)
Chondrichthyes: Devonian (420 mya)
Ichthyosaurs (reptiles): Evolved: Triassic (250 mya) Extinct: Late Cretaceous (~90 mya)
Dolphins (Cetaceans): ~50 mya (Cenozoic)

Question 9

What are two examples of the convergent evolution of bipedalism?

Answer 9

Dinosaurs: Theropods and Ornithischians (~200 mya = Triassic)
Homininds: 4-7 mya during the Cenozoic

Question 10

What were the benefits of bipedalism in dinosaurs?

Answer 10

1. Enhanced running ability - speed and endurance
2. Improved vision
3. Energy efficient for long distance travel
4. Various locomotion

Question 11

What were the benefits of hominids developing bipedalism?

Answer 11

• efficiency for long-distance locomotion
• manipulation of tools
• improved vision
• environmental challenges: shifting from forest to open Savannah

Question 12

How does the convergence of bipedalism in dinosaurs and hominids argue for determinism?

Answer 12

• similar environemental pressures
• gradual development