Question

question
which of the following statements about convergent evolution is true?
select an answer

a. convergent evolution demonstrates how similar environments can lead to different physical structures.
b. convergent evolution demonstrates that similarity of structures is due to descent from a common ancestor.
c. convergent evolution demonstrates how similar environments can lead to similar physical structures.
d. convergent evolution demonstrates that similarity of structures is due to random chance.

Explanation:

Convergent evolution occurs when different species in similar environments evolve similar physical structures (analogous structures) due to similar selective pressures, not common ancestry (that's divergent evolution) or random chance. Option A says similar environments lead to different structures (incorrect). Option B refers to common ancestry (divergent, not convergent). Option D attributes it to random chance (incorrect). Option C correctly describes convergent evolution.

Answer:

C. Convergent evolution demonstrates how similar environments can lead to similar physical structures.