Question

Although having evolved independently, the tracheal tubes of mammals and insects are both supported by rigid tissues. The trachea of a mammal is supported by cartilage, and the tracheae of an insect are supported by chitin. What selective pressure most likely led to the convergent evolution of these respiratory structures? A. Both mammals and insects have similar oxygen needs. B. When air is the respiratory medium, there is a greater risk that the tracheal tubes will collapse. C. Insects and mammals both keep their internal temperature constant. D. A decrease in environmental carbon dioxide made structural support necessary.

Answer 1

The correct answer would be, When air is the respiratory medium, there is a greater risk that the tracheal tubes will collapse.

The evolution of mammals and insect was based on the convergent evolution.

Convergent evolution is explained as follows:

It is the process whereby distantly related organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar necessities.

Some examples can be:

The relationship between bat and insect wings, shark and dolphin bodies, and vertebrate and cephalopod eyes.

In this case, convergent evolution produced similar respiratory structures in mammals and insects.

This evolution took place on the basis of adaptation according to their environments.

Tracheal collapse worsens as the animal becomes more distressed due to increased respiratory pressures.

Thus, the tracheal tubes collapse when air respiratory medium is high.

To know more about the convergent evolution, refer to this link:

brainly.com/question/9831791

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