Gr 11 Life Science: Comparative Anatomy and Biogeography
Whales and dolphins share a common ancestor with the hippo (diverged about 47 mya), they are essentially cousins. They look very different to each other. Is this an example of convergent or divergent evolution?.
Divergent
Dolphins and shares are both aquatic (live in water) carnivores. They have very similar adaptations. Are these adaptations homologous or analogous structures? Give a reason for your answer.
Analogous. They do not share a common ancestor, sharks are part of the fish group, where dolphins are part of the mammal group.
Define/explain 'Analogous structures'
Similar structural adaptations seen in unrelated/distantly related groups of animals (they do not share a common ancestor).