Sharks and Whales: Exploring Convergent Evolution

What is an example of convergent evolution between sharks and whales?

Both sharks and whales live in the ocean and swim. How does this relate to convergent evolution?

Answer:

Sharks and whales both being able to swim is an example of an analogous trait, resulting from convergent evolution due to similar environmental pressures. This is different from homologous traits, which are shared due to a common ancestor.

Explanation:

The fact that both sharks (which are fish) and whales (which are mammals) can swim despite their separate evolutionary paths is an example of an analogous trait. Such traits come from convergent evolution, where different species have evolved similar traits due to similar environmental pressures rather than shared ancestry. In this case, a similar trait is the ability to swim, which has been developed because both species live in water and need to navigate through it for survival.

Conversely, homologous traits are ones that are shared by species because they were present in a common ancestor. For instance, both lizards and whales have similar skeletal structures due to shared ancestry, despite their different habitats and lifestyles.