Acosta, Audrey Jayne D. 3 Bio 3 Convergent Evolution

What is evolution? Evolution is the change in the characteristics of

populations over successive generations. However, evolution can also be

caused by adaptation and not by inheritance from the same ancestor.

Convergent evolution is when two or more species, which are not from the

same lineage, acquire certain similar traits as a result of having to adapt to

their environment. These species need not be in the same era and they may

still evolve into species with similar morphological features.

An example of convergent evolution is the sauropods and the giraffes.

The sauropods are one of the most recognizable groups during the Jurassic

era due to their long necks, tiny heads, and massive bodies. They were

herbivorous, and thus their long necks gave them the ability to eat the leaves

from high places and tall trees. Billions of years later evolved the animal which

we call the giraffe. They share similar morphological characteristics with the

sauropod although they’re not from the same lineage. Giraffes also possess

long necks and tiny heads as a result of natural selection and adaptation.

During scarcity, giraffes must be able to reach unexploited sources above the

heads of other herbivores in their environment.