This Convergent vs Divergent Evolution question repeats every 2 years in NEET — See the pattern

PYQ + trends

1. TITLE

This Convergent vs Divergent Evolution question repeats every 2 years in NEET — See the pattern

2. THE ACTUAL NEET QUESTION

NEET 2024 — Question
The flippers of the Penguins and Dolphins are the example of the
A) Adaptive radiation
B) Natural selection
C) Convergent evolution
D) Divergent evolution

3. OFFICIAL ANSWER

NEET Answer Key: (C)

4. COMPLETE SOLUTION

Concept explanation:
Flippers of penguins and dolphins perform a similar function (swimming) but are not anatomically similar structures. These are called analogous structures. Analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution, which is when different structures evolve independently for the same function due to organisms adapting to a similar habitat (in this case, an aquatic environment).

NCERT reference:
This is directly derived from the examples of analogous organs and convergent evolution in the NCERT Evolution chapter.

Why other options are wrong:
* Adaptive radiation: This is the process where a single ancestral species radiates into different forms to occupy various geographical areas or habitats (e.g., Darwin's finches or Australian marsupials).
* Natural selection: This is the overarching evolutionary mechanism proposed by Darwin where nature selects for traits that offer better reproductive fitness, not a specific structural pattern.
* Divergent evolution: This results in homologous structures, which share common ancestry and anatomical similarities but have adapted for different functions (e.g., forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats).

5. WHY NEET ASKED THIS

What concept were they testing?
The examiner was testing the student's ability to clearly differentiate between homologous organs (divergent evolution) and analogous organs (convergent evolution).

What's the common mistake they expected students to make?
Students often memorize "flippers" and mix up the flippers of whales, dolphins, and penguins. They remember that dolphins and penguins are both vertebrates and might mistakenly assume their flippers are homologous structures derived from the exact same recent forelimb modification.

Which option was the "trap"?
Option D (Divergent evolution) is the trap. Because penguins (birds) and dolphins (mammals) both evolved from tetrapod ancestors, a student rushing through might choose "Divergent" without realising that the flipper structure itself evolved independently for swimming in these two specific lineages.

6. TREND ANALYSIS

PATTERN ALERT:

Prediction for NEET 2025:
Expect a Match-the-Following or an Assertion-Reasoning question using the plant examples of this concept. Be prepared to differentiate between Sweet potato/Potato (Analogous/Convergent) and Bougainvillea/Cucurbita (Homologous/Divergent).

7. SIMILAR QUESTIONS TO PRACTICE

"If you understood this, you can solve:"
* NEET 2022 Q: Identify the incorrect statement among evolutionary structures.
* NEET 2021 Q: Match List I (Adaptive radiation, Convergent evolution, Divergent evolution) with List II.
* NEET 2020 Q: Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins.
* Concept with variation: Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita represent which type of evolution?

8. QUICK REVISION FOR THIS TYPE

For Convergent vs Divergent evolution questions, always:

• First check: Are the organs structurally similar but performing different functions? (Homologous) OR Are they structurally different but performing the same function? (Analogous).
• Then apply the mnemonic:
  • HD = Homologous organs show Divergent evolution.
  • AC = Analogous organs show Convergent evolution.
• Watch out for: Plant examples! Sweet potato (root modification) and potato (stem modification) are analogous/convergent. Thorns and tendrils of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita are homologous/divergent.

9. NCERT BASE

This question tests: NCERT Class 12, Chapter 6 (Evolution), Pages dealing with Evidences for Evolution.

10. CTA

All PYQs from this chapter → Genetics and Evolution Guide
Practice similar questions → Mock exams