A Level Biology Practice Exam

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What does convergent evolution result in?

Organisms developing unique traits despite similar environments
Different species adapting to similar environments and evolving similarities
Random genetic mutations that do not affect survival
Distinct evolutionary paths despite shared ancestors

The correct answer is: Different species adapting to similar environments and evolving similarities

Convergent evolution occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to adapting to comparable environments or ecological niches. This process highlights how similar environmental pressures can lead to analogous adaptations in unrelated organisms. For example, the wings of bats and birds serve the same function of flight but evolved independently in these distantly related groups. This phenomenon is a powerful illustration of how natural selection shapes organisms, leading them to develop similarities in structure, function, or behavior even though they do not share a recent common ancestor. Such adaptations illustrate the influence of environmental factors on the evolutionary paths of distinct species.