Problem 1 - AP Psychology Premium Prep 2021

Question

The eye structures of mammals and cephalopods such as squid evolved independently to perform very similar functions and have similar structures. This evolution is an example of which of the following? (A) Allopatric speciation (B) Sympatric association (C) Divergent evolution (D) Convergent evolution

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The similar eye structures of mammals and cephalopods, such as squid, evolved independently due to adapting to similar environmental pressures or challenges; this is an example of (D) Convergent evolution.

Step 1: Understand the types of evolution

(A) Allopatric speciation: Occurs when populations become geographically isolated and evolve separately due to that isolation. (B) Sympatric association: Occurs when a new species emerges within the range of an ancestral species without any geographic separation. (C) Divergent evolution: Occurs when two or more species evolve increasingly different traits due to different selection pressures, often originating from a common ancestor. (D) Convergent evolution: Occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environmental pressures or challenges, even though they are not ancestrally related.

Step 2: Match the scenario with the correct type of evolution

Considering the eye structures of mammals and cephalopods evolved independently but are similar, it seems that they adapted to similar challenges or environmental pressures. Since these structures are not inherited from a common ancestor, this independent evolution of similar traits is indicative of convergent evolution.

Step 3: Select the correct answer

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is: (D) Convergent evolution.