Despite not sharing a recent common reptilian ancestor, both mammals and birds are homeotherms. Which of the following statements best explains how this trait came about? A. The development of homeothermic capabilities is the result of convergent evolution due to similar selection pressures B. Similar development of homeothermic capabilities is the result of adaptive radiation from a reptilian ancestor C. Birds and mammals diverged from dinosaurs, which were homeothermic D. Mammals and birds both inherited homeothermic capabilities from an ancient reptilian ancestor and then diverged E. Similar homeothermic capabilities in birds and mammals can be explained through homologous structures
Despite not sharing a recent common reptilian ancestor, both mammals and birds are homeotherms. Which of the following statements best explains how this trait came about?
| A. |
The development of homeothermic capabilities is the result of convergent evolution due to similar selection pressures |
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| B. |
Similar development of homeothermic capabilities is the result of adaptive radiation from a reptilian ancestor |
|
| C. |
Birds and mammals diverged from dinosaurs, which were homeothermic |
|
| D. |
Mammals and birds both inherited homeothermic capabilities from an ancient reptilian ancestor and then diverged |
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| E. |
Similar homeothermic capabilities in birds and mammals can be explained through homologous structures |
Homeotherms are organisms that maintain their body temperature (thermoregulation) at a constant level despite environmental changes. Those who adjust body temperature according to environmental condition is called poikilotherms.
Species with different ancestral origins developing similar morphological, physiological or anatomical characteristics as a part of evolution is known as convergent evolution. Birds of diapsid lineage and mammals of synapsid lineage display functionally similar characteristics like four-chambered heart, nocturnality, high basal metabolism, endothermy, etc. are due to their convergent evolution. Endothermic homeothermy is a result of convergent evolution under low-temperature selection pressure.
Therefore, option (A) is correct
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