Similar characteristics of flying squirrel and sugar glider are due to?

Both the flying squirrel and a sugar glider are nocturnal, tree dwelling mammals that seem toresemble one another very closely in body shape, color and behavior. They live in similar environments and fill similar roles in their respective food chains. When their evolutionary background is examined, it turns out that they are not closely related. What could account for the common characteristics that they possess?


A. Coevolution


B. Divergent evolution


C. Adaptive radiation


D. Convergent evolution


E. None of the above explain their physical similaritySimilar characteristics of flying squirrel and sugar glider are due to?
My answer may be lengthy but, accurate. The best answer from your question is D, Convergent Evolution. This is a process whereby organisms, not closely related ( not monophyletic), independently evolve similar traits as of a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. It is actually the opposite of divergent evolution, where related species evolve different traits.This alone, eliminates answer B. On a molecular level, this can happen due to random mutation, unrelated to adaptive changes.


Convergent evolution is the development of similar cultural adaptations to similar environmental conditions by different peoples with different ancestral cultures.


I found your question interesting because you mentioned the flying squirrel and sugar glider. I happen to own 2 sugar gliders.* FYI, they are also related to the kangaroo, as sugar gliders also have a pouch.*


An example of convergent evolution is the similar nature of the flight/wings of insects, birds, pterosaurs ('; winged lizard') or, flying reptiles. the first vertebrates to evolve flight, and bats.


Convergent evolution is similar to, but distinguishable from, the phenomena of evolutionary relay and parallel evolution. Evolutionary relay refers to independent species acquiring similar characteristics through their evolution in similar ecosystems, but not at the same time (ie: dorsal fins of extinct ichthyosaurs{ giant marine reptiles that resembled fish %26amp; dolphins} and sharks). Structures that are the result of convergent evolution are called analogous structures or homoplasies; they should be contrasted with homologous structures, which have a common origin.


I apologize for such a lengthy answer but, i got carried away!!Similar characteristics of flying squirrel and sugar glider are due to?
The best answer is convergent evolution. It's also why whales and fish, while being very distinct in evolution have many similarities (structural fins, etc...).





For similar reasons, it's possible that if we ever encounter spacefaring technologically competent extraterrestrial life, they may also look like us.





Great question, and....





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