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Q.
Among the following sets of examples for divergent evolution, select the incorrect option.
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a
Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah
b
Heart of bat, man and cheetah
c
Brain of bat, man and cheetah
d
Eye of octopus, bat and man
answer is D.
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Detailed Solution

Eye of octopus and man are an example of convergent evolution. They have evolved independently in response to similar environmental pressures, and they have a similar function, i.e., vision. The octopus eye forms from an epidermal placode, whereas the human eye forms from the neural plate and induces the overlying epidermis to
Form the lens. In humans, the lens changes shape with the help of ciliary muscle to focus on light. In octopus, the position of the lens is changed to focus on the object.
(1) Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah are an example of divergent evolution. They evolved to serve different functions though they share similar basic structure due to common ancestry (homologous organs).
(2) Vertebrate hearts have a similar evolutionary origin and develop from a mesodermal heart tube (homologous). They had undergone divergent evolution as different groups adapted to different environmental and physiological demands. For example, the simple two-chambered heart of fi sh is adapted to pumping blood through gills, which are used for respiration, while the four-chambered heart of mammals is adapted to a more complex circulatory system, which involves pumping blood to the lungs for oxygenation and then to the rest of the body.
(3) Vertebrate brains have a similar evolutionary origin and develop from an ectodermal neural tube (homologous). They have undergone divergent evolution, resulting in a wide range of brain structures and capabilities. The size and complexity of forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain can vary considerably across different groups. For example, the brain of a fi sh is relatively simple, with a small forebrain and a larger
Hindbrain, reflecting the importance of sensory processing and motor control for swimming and navigation. The evolution of a large and highly complex brain in primate mammals is driven by social and ecological factors, such as the need to maintain complex social relationships, manipulate tools and fi nd food in a diverse range of environments.