Question

A shark and a dolphin have similarly shaped bodies and fins. However, these two organisms are not closely related: The shark is a fish, and the dolphin is a mammal. Some species may have similar body structures even if they are not related because they evolved in ____________.a. similar environments and specific traits increased their chances of survival
b. similar environments and were exposed to factors that caused exactly the same mutations
c. different environments, but tried to adapt in the same ways so they could survive
d. different environments, but ate similar foods that affected their growth and development

Answer 1

Answer:

a. similar environments and specific traits increased their chances of survival

Explanation:

I eliminated b because of the statement "caused exactly the same mutations." Considering that mutations are entirely random, this would be highly unlikely. Choice a. fits better with the concept of convergent evolution and natural selection. If they evolved in different environments, they would have adapted in diff. ways and thus had diff. body structures.