[Campbell Biology P.1221] Based on the information and Figure 52.12, what conclusion can be d... | Practice Question

Based on the information and Figure 52.12, what conclusion can be drawn about the resemblance between cacti Cereus sp. and euphorbs Euphorbia canariensis ?

  • A: They share a recent common ancestor due to their similar appearances.
  • B: Their similar appearances are a result of convergent evolution, adapting to similar desert environments despite different lineages.
  • C: Euphorbs are an invasive species introduced to the Americas from Africa.
  • D: Cacti are unique to the Americas, and euphorbs are unique to African deserts, with no functional similarities.

Explanation

Figure 52.12 and the accompanying text explain that cacti and euphorbs, despite belonging to different evolutionary lineages, resemble each other because their similarities are 'due to convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry' as they have adapted to similar desert environments.