Do similar traits arise independently in species that are only distantly related?
A) There is little evidence to suggest that similar traits arise independently.
B) Independently evolved traits subjected to similar selection pressures may become superficially similar, a phenomenon called convergent evolution.
C) All similar traits have a common ancestor origin.
D) A trait may revert from a derived state back to an ancestral state in an event called an evolutionary reversal.
E) Both b and d

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution (B) explains how similar traits can arise independently in distantly related species due to similar environmental pressures. Evolutionary reversal (D) describes how a trait can revert to an ancestral form, showing independent trait development.

Do Similar Traits Arise Independently in Species That Are Only