Several distantly related lineages of vertebrates have shown decreases in size when they have adapted to living on islands.What is the most likely explanation for this decrease in size?
A) It is a synapomorphy.
B) It arose via convergent evolution.
C) It is a homologous trait.
D) It is an ancestral trait.
E) It is an evolutionary reversal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution is the most likely explanation for the decrease in size in distantly related vertebrate lineages that have adapted to living on islands. This is because these lineages likely faced similar selective pressures in their island environments, leading to the evolution of similar traits such as smaller body size, even though they are not closely related.

Several Distantly Related Lineages of Vertebrates Have Shown Decreases in Size