Which evolutionary mechanism explains the resemblance between placental mammals and Australian marsupials occupying similar ecological niches?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Convergent evolution
- Step 1: Unrelated lineages facing similar environmental pressures often evolve analogous morphological adaptations independently. Step 2. Convergent evolution explains similarities between the placental flying squirrel and marsupial sugar glider. Answer: Convergent evolution. Why not the others: Adaptive introgression involves hybridization; polyploidy involves whole-genome duplication.
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