Which evolutionary process best explains why two distantly related plants have developed similar appearances?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of convergent evolution: Convergent evolution occurs when distantly related organisms independently evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environments or ecological niches, rather than sharing a common ancestor.
2. Compare convergent evolution with divergent evolution: Divergent evolution refers to the process where closely related species evolve different traits due to adapting to different environments, which is the opposite of convergent evolution.
3. Eliminate genetic drift: Genetic drift is a random process that affects allele frequencies in a population over time, but it does not explain the development of similar traits in distantly related species.
4. Eliminate artificial selection: Artificial selection is a human-driven process where specific traits are chosen for breeding, which is unrelated to the natural development of similar traits in distantly related plants.
5. Conclude that convergent evolution is the best explanation: The similar appearances of the two distantly related plants are likely due to convergent evolution, as they have independently adapted to similar environmental pressures or ecological roles.