Convergent Evolution at Molecular Level

Evolution might be a process that can be viewed by external developments. But behind these developments, there are certain micro-level developments happening inside the body of the creature. Due to the natural selection process, creatures try to fulfill their needs by developing some traits. But these traits are not developed overnight. They try to develop the traits & sometimes in some generations these traits may appear. This type of appearance can only be possible by molecular changes.

Molecules are like the building blocks of our bodies. Among the molecules, the protein is the most important. Species trying to get some new traits first make some tiny changes to their genomic structure. These changes are inherited by the next generation. Again, those generations try to make some new changes in their genomic structure. In this way, when the genomic structure makes significant changes then new traits arrived. Scientists believe that the Analogous Structures derived by the Convergent Evolution are the result of molecular change in that creature’s body. And these molecular changes are further derived for the next generation. The next generation trying to make some new modifications to it to survive in nature. This is the continuous molecular level development.

Convergent Evolution

Evolution is a developing process. It is a continuous & immortal process by which new species take place in nature. Evolution is a process where from an existing creature a new completely different creature evolved. In every living thing, evolution can be observed. Though evolution takes millions of times to create a new species, but still in the present time also, evolution is the key force that maintains nature. Scientists believe that there are many types of evolution present. Among them, Divergent Evolution is the major one. But others also are responsible for creating new species. Among others, Convergent Evolution is next to the Divergent Evolution.

Types of Evolution

There are four types of the evolutionary process is present. They are:

  1. Divergent Evolution
  2. Convergent Evolution
  3. Parallel Evolution
  4. Co-Evolution

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Difference From Other Evolutionary Processes

Convergent Vs Divergent Evolution...

What Is Convergent Evolution

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Convergent Evolution at Molecular Level

Evolution might be a process that can be viewed by external developments. But behind these developments, there are certain micro-level developments happening inside the body of the creature. Due to the natural selection process, creatures try to fulfill their needs by developing some traits. But these traits are not developed overnight. They try to develop the traits & sometimes in some generations these traits may appear. This type of appearance can only be possible by molecular changes....

Cause of Convergent Evolution

Though there is only one reason which triggers the Convergent Evolution. This is known as Exposure to the common habitat. Due to any reason, some species come to live in the same environment. These reasons may be predator presence, lack of food resources, etc. But the main thing is that they all come to live in the same environment. This environment stimulates them to acquire desired traits to survive in nature. In this way, different species have to develop some type of traits to live in that environment. This is the reason why in different species same traits are available....

What Is Analogous Structure?

Analogous Structure is the opposite of Homologous Structure. Homologous Structure is associated with Divergent Evolution. But Analogous Structure is associated with Convergent Evolution. If two structures of two different species are engaged for functioning in the same type of work, then those structures are known as Analogous Structures. Also, these structures never derived from the same ancestor of two different species. These structures need to be developed in each of the species by the natural selection process. Nature will force the species to develop such structures in their body. This type of same structure can develop in some species due to the same habitat....

What Is Homoplasy?

Homoplasy is the process by which the Analogous Structures are developed in different species. It is a continuous process. It is triggered by the need of the creature to fulfill any need. This process develops new structures in their body which might be similar with some other species form the functioning point of view. But they are completely different in structure. Also, one must importantly term of Homoplasy is that, the new traits will not develop in the species which are derived from the same ancestor....

Importance of Convergent Evolution

Though Convergent Evolution is not a major role-playing evolutionary process. But still, they perform a big role. Convergent Evolution tries to make new species with the help of nature. Nature forces the species to acquire new traits in them. This need to acquire a new character develops a new species. This process helps to maintain the nature rules very well. Without acquiring new characters no species can survive in nature. Hence, they will disappear gradually. Convergent Evolution helps them to evolve into a new species acquiring new traits....

FAQs on Convergent Evolution

Question 1: What is Analogous Structure?...

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