Identify whether or not the following structures are results

Identify whether or not the following structures are results of convergent evolution.

Solution

Convergent evolution is the type of evolution in which the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages occurs. This evolution creates some analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups. In these examples the convergent evolution occurs in cactus spine and the leaf as these structures have evolved independently to prevent herbivory or to limit it and also to reduce transpiration in the water scarcity.

Roots and root like stems such as bulbs or rhizomes structures are the result of the convergent evolution as they are developed to reserve the water and nutrition according to conditions.

Tail bone of humans and dog\'s tail is not the result of convergent evolution as both these structures are homologous and during convergent evolution analogous structures emerges as the result of evolution dogs still keeps the tail whereas human discontinue using it and the organ became vestigial according to the usage.

Long snout echnidia is closely related to platypus have developed a long snout just like true anteaters whose ancestors were sloths and as they emerges from different ancestral species so these structures evolved as result of convergent evolution.

As both bats and whales are mammals and are originated from closely related ancestors and the structures are also similar or homologous so the bats wings and whale\'s flippers are result of homology which is in contrast to analogy so this example is not the part of convergent evolution.