Why is the filamentous morphology of the water molds considered a case of convergent evolution with the hyphae (threads)of fungi?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The filamentous shape of water molds and fungi is an adaptation for the absorptive nutritional mode of a decomposer. Both groups evolved this morphology independently (i.e., convergent evolution) to increase their surface area for nutrient absorption. Option A is incorrect because water molds and fungi are not closely related, and so their similarity in morphology cannot be attributed to a shared ancestral trait. Option B is incorrect because body shape does not always reflect ancestor-descendant relationships in organisms, especially in cases of convergent evolution. Option D is incorrect because while many eukaryotes have filamentous shapes, not all do. Option E is incorrect because while fungi and water molds are not closely related, both groups exhibit the convergent evolution of a filamentous morphology.

Why Is the Filamentous Morphology of the Water Molds Considered