AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Convergent evolution occurs when species occupy similar ecological niches and adapt in similar ways in response to similar selective pressures. Traits that arise through convergent evolution are referred to as ‘analogous structures’. They are contrasted with ‘homologous structures’, which have a common origin.

Detailed explanation-2: -Analogy is similarity due to convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when similar environmental pressures and natural selection produce similar (analogous) adaptations in organisms from different evolutionary lineage. Bat and bird wings are homologous as forelimbs, but analogous as functional wings.

Detailed explanation-3: -Analogous structures While similar structure can indicate relatedness, not all structures that look alike are due to common ancestry. Analogous structures evolved independently in different organisms because the organisms lived in similar environments or experienced similar selective pressure.

Detailed explanation-4: -Analogous structures arise from convergent evolution, but homologous structures do not. Convergent evolution is the opposite of divergent evolution, in which related species evolve different traits.