Question

Which of the following is {not an example of convergent evolution?}

• A. Wings of butterflies and birds
• B. Flippers of penguins and dolphins
• C. Fore limbs of whales and bats
• D. Eyes of octopuses and mammals

Hint:

Logic Tip: Use the mnemonic \textbf{AC/HD}: \textbf{A}nalogous organs = \textbf{C}onvergent evolution (Different origin, Same function). \textbf{H}omologous organs = \textbf{D}ivergent evolution (Same origin, Different function).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Evolutionary biology categorizes structural developments into two main types: convergent and divergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species independently evolve similar traits (analogous organs) to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. Divergent evolution occurs when closely related species evolve different traits (homologous organs) due to adaptations to different environments, despite sharing a common anatomical ancestry.
Step 1:
Butterflies (insects) and birds (vertebrates) have completely different evolutionary origins. Their wings have structurally different designs but perform the exact same function (flight) due to adaptation to an aerial environment. These are analogous organs resulting from convergent evolution.
Step 2:
Penguins (birds) and dolphins (mammals) are not closely related. Their flippers evolved independently from different ancestral forelimbs but serve the identical function of swimming in marine environments. These are analogous organs resulting from convergent evolution.
Step 3:
The eye of an octopus (mollusc) and a mammal develop from entirely different embryonic tissues (skin vs. brain tissue, respectively). However, they both evolved to perform the complex function of vision. These are analogous organs resulting from convergent evolution.
Step 4:
Whales and bats are both mammals. Their forelimbs share the exact same fundamental bony skeletal structure inherited from a common ancestor (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges). However, these limbs have been heavily modified for completely different functions (swimming vs. flying). These are homologous organs resulting from divergent evolution.
Step 5:
Since the question asks to identify what is not an example of convergent evolution, Option (3) is the correct answer because it exemplifies divergent evolution.