Question

Mouthparts of insects show divergent evolution.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: Convergent evolution in which two different species show the same characteristics. The opposite of convergence evolution is divergent evolution. Mouth parts of insects are an example of homologous organs. When two or more populations show different food resources and they have a common ancestor are seen in the insects.

Complete answer:
Divergent evolution occurs when two groups of the same species show differences due to environmental and social pressures. Examples of such pressures are predation, food supply, and competition for mates. Mouthparts of insects are present outside of their heads, which are used to acquire and manipulate food. Insects mouthparts are in different forms. The common forms are used for chewing and piercing and sucking types. Divergent evolution is also called adaptive evolution. The structure and function of mouthparts change along with the evolving diet and lifestyle. The examples of adaptive (divergent evolution) can be found in the insect world. Insects mouthparts are adapted to particular modes of feeding. The earliest insects had chewing mouthparts and later modified to feeding type. Examples of chewing insects that include dragonflies, grasshoppers, and beetles. Insects that do not have chewing mouthparts are examples of butterflies and moths. The insects take different types of food but have the same parts as labium, labrum, mandibles, maxilla, and hypopharynx.

Hence, Mouthparts of insects show divergent evolution is true.

Note: The primitive insects mouthparts are useful for grinding, chewing, pinching, or crushing bits of solid food. Insects feed on a wide variety of food resources. Most mouthparts are adapted through natural selection.