Chitin is a long-chain polymer derived from glucose. It strengthens cell walls of fungi and the outer covering (exoskeleton) of arthropods (including crabs, shrimps, and insects). The presence of chitin in these groups is likely the result of which of the following processes?
A) secondary endoparasitism
B) horizontal gene transfer
C) paraphyletic evolution
D) convergent evolution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chitin's presence in both fungi and arthropods, despite their distant evolutionary relationship, is an example of convergent evolution. This is where unrelated species independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.

Chitin Is a Long-Chain Polymer Derived from Glucose