Question

scientists notice structural similarities between fossils of a land animal and an aquatic organism. they know the similarities are not a result of the two organisms having to adapt to similar environments. what can they attribute the structural similarities to?
convergent evolution
common ancestry
transitional evolution
similar mating habits

Explanation:

Convergent evolution is when unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environments, but the problem states the similarities are NOT from adapting to similar environments. Common ancestry refers to shared structural traits inherited from a common ancestor, which fits since the cause isn’t environmental adaptation. Transitional evolution relates to intermediate forms between species, and mating habits don’t explain structural similarities in fossils.

Answer:

B. common ancestry