Tasmanian wolf resembles the placental wolf, this represents

Options

A. parallel evolution
B. divergent evolution
C. co-extinction
D. atavism

Answer

To solve the question regarding the resemblance between the Tasmanian wolf and the placental wolf, we need to analyze the provided options step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Question
The question states that the Tasmanian wolf resembles the placental wolf. We need to determine what this resemblance represents in terms of evolutionary biology.

### Step 2: Analyze the Options
We have four options to consider:
1. **Parallel Evolution**
2. **Divergent Evolution**
3. **Co-extinction**
4. **Atavism**

### Step 3: Evaluate Each Option

#### Option 1: Parallel Evolution
- **Definition**: Parallel evolution occurs when independent species evolve similar traits while adapting to similar environments or ecological niches.
- **Application**: The Tasmanian wolf and the placental wolf (European wolf) are not directly related but have evolved similar characteristics due to similar environmental pressures.
- **Conclusion**: This option is correct.

#### Option 2: Divergent Evolution
- **Definition**: Divergent evolution refers to the process where two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to different environmental pressures.
- **Application**: This does not apply here as the Tasmanian wolf and placental wolf are not diverging from a common ancestor but rather are independently evolving similar traits.
- **Conclusion**: This option is incorrect.

#### Option 3: Co-extinction
- **Definition**: Co-extinction occurs when one species becomes extinct, leading to the extinction of another species that is dependent on it.
- **Application**: The relationship between the Tasmanian wolf and the placental wolf does not involve extinction; they are not dependent on each other in this manner.
- **Conclusion**: This option is incorrect.

#### Option 4: Atavism
- **Definition**: Atavism is the reappearance of ancestral traits that had disappeared in previous generations.
- **Application**: The resemblance between the Tasmanian wolf and the placental wolf does not involve the reappearance of ancestral traits but rather the development of similar traits independently.
- **Conclusion**: This option is incorrect.

### Step 4: Final Conclusion
Based on the evaluations, the correct answer is that the resemblance between the Tasmanian wolf and the placental wolf represents **parallel evolution**.

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