Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species begin to share similar traits.The features are called analogous structures - although they have a different genetic origin they have adapted to perform the same function.Whales are mammals.Whales and fish have a distant hypothetical common ancestor, but their tails and fins are adapted to perform the same functions as they live in the same environment.
Convergent Evolution
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Specification: OCR Biology A (H020), AS-level, 4.2.2 Classification and evolution. Topic: Classification and Evolution.
Key terms in this lesson
- pathogen
- A microorganism that causes disease.
- antibody
- A Y-shaped protein (immunoglobulin) produced by B plasma cells that binds specifically to a particular antigen.
- active immunity
- Immunity produced by an individual's own immune system, either after natural infection or vaccination, involving the production of antibodies and memory cells.
More in Classification and Evolution
- Student T-test
- Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient
- Adaptations
- Anatomical Adaptations
- Courtship Behaviour
- Physiological Adaptations
- Natural Selection
- Modern Examples of Natural Selection
All 36 lessons in Classification and Evolution · All OCR AS-level Biology topics