When the same structure evolves in a different direction due to adaptation to a different need , it is referred to as

Options

A. Adaptive convergence
B. Divergent evolution
C. Convergent evolution
D. Analogy

Answer

To solve the question, "When the same structure evolves in a different direction due to adaptation to a different need, it is referred to as," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Key Terms
- **Structure**: Refers to the physical form or arrangement of an organism's body parts.
- **Adaptation**: The process by which organisms adjust to their environment to improve their chances of survival.
- **Different Need**: Implies that the organisms are adapting to different environments or functions.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Evolution
- **Adaptive Radiation**: This occurs when a single ancestor species rapidly diversifies into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.
- **Divergent Evolution**: This is when two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to different environmental pressures.
- **Convergent Evolution**: This occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environments or ecological niches.
- **Analogy**: This refers to similarities in function and appearance between different species that do not share a common ancestor.

### Step 3: Analyze the Question
The question states that the same structure evolves in a different direction due to adaptation to a different need. This implies that there is a common ancestor, and the descendants are evolving differently based on their specific adaptations to their environments.

### Step 4: Relate to Examples
Using the example of homologous organs (like the limbs of whales and humans), we see that while the structure (the limb bones) is similar, the functions differ due to adaptation to different environments (aquatic vs. terrestrial). This illustrates divergent evolution, where the same structure diverges into different forms based on different needs.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is **B. Divergent Evolution**.

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