Cave-dwelling catfish and cave-dwelling salamanders share striking similarities: Both organisms lack pigmentation, and their eyes are reduced or absent. The most recent common ancestor to these organisms had normal pigmentation and fully developed eyes. The similarities between cave catfish and cave salamanders are an example of
A)convergent homology.
B)analogy (convergent evolution).
C)homology.
D)exaptation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The similarities between cave-dwelling catfish and cave-dwelling salamanders are due to convergent evolution, also known as analogy. They evolved these similar traits independently in response to living in a similar environment (caves). This is different from homology, which refers to traits that are similar because they were inherited from a common ancestor. Exaptation is the evolution of a trait that has been co-opted for a new function, and is not applicable to this scenario.

Cave-Dwelling Catfish and Cave-Dwelling Salamanders Share Striking Similarities: Both Organisms