Flying squirrels and flying lemurs do not actually fly but glide.They are able to glide because of the development of a patagium, a membrane that stretches from the forelimb to hindlimb on each side of the body.The independent development of this trait in two species that do not share a recent common ancestor with this trait indicates _______ evolution has occurred.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution is the process by which different species independently evolve similar characteristics in response to similar environmental challenges. In this case, the development of the patagium for gliding in both flying squirrels and flying lemurs is a result of convergent evolution because they do not share a recent common ancestor with this trait, yet both species evolved it as a solution to the challenge of gliding.

Flying Squirrels and Flying Lemurs Do Not Actually Fly but Glide.They