Small leaves and fast flowering are important adaptations for plants that live in cold temperatures and water-logged/frozen soils. Plants exhibiting these traits are present in alpine biomes, but species are different, and found in different families, in the northern Rocky Mountains and the Andes. What is the MOST likely explanation for this observation?
A)common ancestry
B)convergent evolution
C)climate differences between South America and North America
D)rainfall differences between South America and North America

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of small leaves and fast flowering in alpine plants from different families in the northern Rocky Mountains and the Andes suggests convergent evolution. This means that although these plants do not share a common ancestor, they have independently evolved similar traits in response to similar environmental challenges. Climate and rainfall differences may play a role in shaping the specific adaptations of these plants, but they are not the most likely explanation for the observed patterns.

Small Leaves and Fast Flowering Are Important Adaptations for Plants