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Ch. 25 - Phylogenies and the History of Life

Chapter 24, Problem 8

Use the fossil evidence shown in Figure 25.6 to determine whether flight evolved earlier in insects or in birds. Is flight an example of homology or convergent evolution? Explain.

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Hey everyone. Let's take a look at this question together in the context of evolution, flight is an example of what. So let's talk about how flight evolved over time. We know that two different species gained the ability to fly at different points in time. Which means that the evolution of flight is something that occurred independently. So we're trying to find the best term to describe this independent evolution. So answer choice. A divergent evolution divergent meaning you have a common ancestor that diverges into two different species and they evolved at the same time. So answer choice A. Is incorrect answer choice B. Hm. Ology has to do with similar structures in different species having the same kind of function such as a five fingered hand of human and maybe a five toed foot of some other species. So that is also incorrect. Answer choice C. Convergent evolution is when you have two different parent species evolving and gaining that characteristic at different points in time or independently meaning that answer choice C. Is the correct answer and answer choice. The ornithology has to do with genetic information found within different species so that one is also incorrect leaving us with the only correct answer answer choice C. Convergent evolution because that's the only one that describes that independent evolution which is what we're looking for. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye
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