Question

Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Lion and leopard show convergent evolution.
B. Cryptic camouflage is seen in Biston betularia.
C. Natural selection is responsible for extinction of dinosaurs.
D. Homo habilis and homo erectus are closely related.

Answer 1

Hint: Convergent evolution is defined as independent evolution of similar features in species of different periods in time. It creates analogous structures. Opposite of convergent evolution is divergent evolution. One of the famous examples of divergent evolution is Darwin’s finches.

Complete Answer:
- Biston betularia is the scientific name for peppered moths. The peppered moth is a temperate species. Peppered moth evolution is an example of natural selection. Cryptic camouflage is seen in Biston betularia as this moth rests on bark of lichen covered tree trunks. It has a wonderful cryptic appearance and it is well camouflaged.
- The genes in the moths for cryptic coloration (camouflage) are an adaptation which increases the chances of survival. Bernard found that a light coloured body was an effective camouflage in a clean environment.
- Industrial melanism is an evolutionary effect in which dark pigmentation has evolved in an environment affected by industrial pollution. Industrial melanism is studied in evolution of peppered moths that is biston betularia.
- Dark pigmented individuals have higher fitness in the areas where their camouflage matches the polluted background better, they are favoured by natural selection.

So, the correct answer is B.

Note: Homo habilis is defined as a species of archaic human from the early Pleistocene of east and south Africa about 2.3-1.65 million years ago. Homo erectus means upright man. Homo erectus is an extinct species of archaic human from the Pleistocene with its earliest occurrence about 2 million years ago.