Inhabitants of oceanic islands resemble forms of the nearest mainland but show some differences,which suggests that they have evolved from mainland migrants.This represents which of the following lines of evolutionary evidence?
A)fossil record
B)homology
C)convergent evolution
D)biogeography
E)development

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biogeography refers to the study of the distribution of living organisms and is therefore relevant to the observation that inhabitants of oceanic islands resemble forms from the nearest mainland with some differences, suggesting that they have evolved from mainland migrants. This is evidence of biogeographical patterns of evolution. The fossil record and homology are also lines of evidence in evolution, but they are not directly correlated with the observation described in the question. Convergent evolution refers to the process by which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar traits, which is also not relevant to the observation described in the question. Development refers to the process of growth and differentiation of cells and tissues, and is not a line of evidence in evolution.

Inhabitants of Oceanic Islands Resemble Forms of the Nearest Mainland