Question

Explain the convergent and divergent evolution with suitable examples.

Answer 1

Hint: Evolution is the change in the hereditary transferable traits over the generations. Evolution can be— convergent, divergent and parallel. Different species can tend to have the same traits. Similar species can tend to have different traits.

Complete answer:
Evolution is the change in different species over a period of time through the generations. There is an alteration in the character that are hereditary transferable from parents to their offerings. These changes occur due to mutations in the genetic material.

Evolution is of three types:
- Convergent
- Divergent
- Parallel

All of these have been seen over the generations by the natural selection phenomenon.
Convergent evolution is when two different species with different ancestors tend to develop similar traits during the course of evolution. It is due to a similar environment and natural selection.
Eg. It is seen in sharks and dolphins. Sharks are streamlined bullet types. Both can swim faster in the water.

Sharks are fishes whereas dolphins are mammals. They have a completely different origin.
Divergent evolution is when two similar species with the same ancestors tend to develop variations in characters in the course of natural selection.
For eg. It is seen in vertebrates which includes birds, monkeys etc. These animals have similarities in the bones of forelimbs whereas they have modified in various forms over time.

Note: Charles Darwin is the father of evolution. He is a naturalist, biologist and geologist. He was always keen to learn about a variety of fossils. He learnt about all the species of flora and fauna.