Which of the following best explains the morphological similarities between two species that are not closely related?

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Artificial selection
• D. Bottleneck effect

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of morphological similarities. Morphology refers to the form and structure of organisms. Similarities in morphology between species can arise due to various evolutionary processes.
2. Convergent evolution is a key concept here. It occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits independently, often because they adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. This leads to morphological similarities despite the species not being closely related.
3. Genetic drift is a random process that can cause changes in the frequency of traits in a population over time. It is unlikely to cause similar morphological traits in unrelated species, as it does not involve adaptation to similar environments.
4. Artificial selection involves humans selectively breeding organisms to enhance desired traits. This process is not responsible for natural morphological similarities between unrelated species.
5. The bottleneck effect occurs when a population's size is significantly reduced, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. While it can affect the traits within a population, it does not explain similarities between unrelated species.