Question

The sugar glider and flying squirrel belong to two different groups of mammals, but they have both evolved bushy tails and flaps of skin that help them exploit their forest environments more efficiently. This pattern of evolution is an example of
A. Character displacement
B. Adaptive radiation
C. Convergent evolution
D. Divergent evolution.

Answer 1

Hint: The process which involves the continuous slow changes in the characteristics of an organism over the years passing one generation to another for better survival by natural selection is known as evolution. The evolution process involves the genomic level by changing the sequence in the DNA. Changes in DNA sequence will result in the formation of new genetic expressions that will help an organism to evolve according to the environment.

Complete answer: The phenomenon which involves the Inhabitat of two similar species in the same geographical area but owns similar niches is called character displacement. It is the result of biological competition. In 1956 William L. Brown and E. O Wilson first described the phenomenon of character displacement. For example, character displacement is found in the Galapagos finches.
The phenomenon in which an organism shows rapid adaptation to own the available niches of a particular ecosystem is called adaptive radiation. Adaptive radiation is found in the Anoles. Anoles belong to the lizard family which evolved rapid adaptation to own a specific area of the ecosystem they found.
When similar features are adapted by the species which does not come from the same ancestor to survive in a particular environment is called convergent evolution. One of the best examples of convergent evolution is found between the bat and the insects. Both evolved wings to survive in the ecosystem.
When different adaptation is found in the species which come from a single ancestor but diverged due to better survival is known as divergent evolution. Galapagos finches are an example of divergent evolution. Galapagos finches are the combination of 18 species that have adapted different characteristics to fit in the ecosystem.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
Changes in the environment occur in very slow and steady processes. Evolution is an important biological phenomenon that helps an organism to survive in the changing environment. Due to evolution, the adapted features are passed from parents to the offspring which may raise new species over the period.