Cacti in the deserts of southwestern North America and some euphorbs in the deserts of Africa have barrel-shaped stems,short-lived leaves,and spines,yet these two types of plants are from different evolutionary lineages.The similar morphology of the two groups of plants is an example of:
A)a developmental homology.
B)directional selection.
C)an anatomical homology.
D)convergent evolution.
E)stabilizing selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The similar morphology of cacti and euphorbs, which are from different evolutionary lineages, suggests that they underwent convergent evolution - when similar traits develop in unrelated species as a result of similar selective pressures or environmental factors.

Cacti in the Deserts of Southwestern North America and Some