Parallel Evolution

The trees these moths used to live on were white, but have been covered in soot from coal factories. Which moth will be more successful in this environment?

• Dark moth

• Light moth

• Both will be equally successful

• Neither will be successful

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What is parallel evolution?

• The development of similar traits in related species due to similar environmental pressures

• The development of different traits in unrelated species

• The process of one species evolving into another

• The extinction of a species due to environmental changes

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Which of the following is an example of parallel evolution?

• Wings of bats and birds

• Fins of fish and flippers of whales

• Cacti in North America and euphorbias in Africa

• Eyes of octopuses and humans

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Parallel evolution occurs when:

• Two unrelated species evolve similar traits independently

• Two related species evolve similar traits independently

• Two unrelated species evolve different traits

• Two related species evolve different traits

In parallel evolution, the species involved usually:

• Share a common ancestor

• Do not share a common ancestor

• Are geographically isolated

• Are genetically identical

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Which of the following best describes the difference between parallel evolution and convergent evolution?

• Parallel evolution occurs in related species, while convergent evolution occurs in unrelated species

• Parallel evolution occurs in unrelated species, while convergent evolution occurs in related species

• Parallel evolution involves genetic mutation, while convergent evolution does not

• Parallel evolution is faster than convergent evolution

Parallel evolution is most likely to occur in which of the following environments?

• Isolated islands with unique ecosystems

• Similar environments in different geographical locations

• Deep ocean trenches

• High-altitude mountain ranges

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Which of the following pairs of animals is an example of parallel evolution?

• Sharks and dolphins

• Marsupial moles and placental moles

• Butterflies and moths

• Lions and tigers

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Parallel evolution can be observed in which of the following plant adaptations?

• Thorns in roses and cacti

• Broad leaves in tropical plants

• Succulent leaves in desert plants

• Floating leaves in aquatic plants

What role does natural selection play in parallel evolution?

• It drives the development of similar traits in related species

• It prevents the development of similar traits in related species

• It has no role in parallel evolution

• It only affects unrelated species

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