In: Biology
Give an example of morphological convergence between marsupials and Eutherian mammals
Ex: sugar gliders-flying squirrels.
Convergent evolution is the process in which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar features. Adaptions may take the form of similar body forms, colors, organs and other adaptions which make up the organism’s phenotype.
Convergent evolution creates analogousstructures or ’homoplasies’, those which have similar forms or functions between diverged species, but were not present in the common ancestor of the two. On the other hand, homologous structures, i.e., a specific organ or bone which appears throughout many different organisms.
There are several circumstances that can result in convergent evolution. Often, convergence occurs when organisms are required to adapt to similar environmental conditions.
Placental flying squirrels and marsupial Sugar Gliders both evolved from the same flightless, common ancestor which split around 65 million years ago. These two animals are extremely similar in appearance and behavior; they are approximately the same size, they have large eyes for foraging in the dark, they are coated with soft fur, and have light underbellies.