Imagine that scientists have discovered a new species of goat that has an incredibly long neck,just like a giraffe.They learn that this new species doesn't eat grass like regular goats,but instead,it prefers to eat leaves from the tops of the trees.Since further DNA testing has revealed that this new species of goat has no common ancestor with the giraffe,the evolution of their long neck would be the result of
A) homologous evolution.
B) convergent evolution.
C) divergent evolution.
D) phylogenetic evolution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution is the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics, usually as a result of adapting to similar environments or ecological niches. In this case, the goat and the giraffe both evolved long necks independently, but for the same purpose of being able to reach the leaves at the tops of trees. Since the DNA testing revealed that they have no common ancestor, this is likely an example of convergent evolution rather than homologous or divergent evolution. Phylogenetic evolution is not a recognized term in evolutionary biology.

Imagine That Scientists Have Discovered a New Species of Goat