Flying squirrel & flying phalanger represent the phenomenon of

Options

A. Divergent evolution
B. Convergent evolution
C. Adaptive radiation
D. Divergent radiation

Answer

To solve the question regarding the phenomenon represented by flying squirrels and flying phalangers, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Organisms**:
- The flying squirrel is a rodent found in the Americas, while the flying phalanger (or sugar glider) is a marsupial found in Australia and New Guinea. Both have adaptations for gliding.

2. **Identify the Type of Evolution**:
- We need to determine how these two organisms, which belong to different taxonomic groups, have developed similar traits (like gliding ability).

3. **Define Convergent Evolution**:
- Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits independently, often because they adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.

4. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Divergent Evolution**: This refers to species that share a common ancestor but evolve different traits.
- **Convergent Evolution**: This is the correct answer, as flying squirrels and flying phalangers have developed similar adaptations (gliding) despite being from different lineages.
- **Adaptive Radiation**: This is when a single ancestor species rapidly diversifies into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments.
- **Divergent Radiation**: This term is not commonly used in evolutionary biology and is likely a misnomer.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since flying squirrels and flying phalangers have independently evolved similar adaptations for gliding, they represent **convergent evolution**.

### Final Answer:
The flying squirrel and flying phalanger represent the phenomenon of **convergent evolution**.

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