In evolutionary biology, what best describes convergent evolution?

• A. The independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages due to similar environmental or selective pressures
• B. The evolution of different traits in closely related species as they adapt to different environments
• C. The gradual accumulation of genetic changes within a single population that results in two or more species
• D. The inheritance of acquired characteristics caused by an organism's use or disuse of structures

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of convergent evolution, which involves different species developing similar traits independently, not because they share a recent common ancestor with those traits.
2. Step 2: Recognize that convergent evolution occurs due to similar environmental or selective pressures acting on different lineages, leading to analogous structures or functions.
3. Step 3: Differentiate convergent evolution from other evolutionary processes such as divergent evolution (where related species develop different traits) and speciation (the formation of new species from a single population).
4. Step 4: Identify that the key feature of convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated or distantly related species, often as adaptations to similar ecological niches.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of convergent evolution is 'The independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages due to similar environmental or selective pressures.'