From: <saltimbocca@gmx.de>
quoted 8 lines > > http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/4/l_014_01.html
> > "This illustration shows an example of convergent evolution
> > in four different animals from around the globe.
> > They may look similar, but it's not because they're close relatives.
> > Instead, they've evolved similar adaptations because they occupy
> > similar niches -
> > dining on ants, hunting in the high grass, or swimming in the dark -
> > although their evolutionary origins are quite different."
quoted 3 lines I dare to challenge this theory - birds may develop similar
> I dare to challenge this theory - birds may develop similar
> behaviour/physical appearance according to this theory, but they're
> unable to pick that up watching other birds.
Daring, yes.
Don't challenge it until you've re-read it and comprehend it. ;)
The theory of convergent evolution makes *no* claim that the birds are
learning *anything* by watching other birds!!!! Observed behaviour
is ~not~ a facet in the theory of convergent evolution.
In completely different parts of the globe, completely ~unrelated~ species
are evolving in similar ways, despite no genetic nor regional influence.
And not just bird species. Not just animals.
"Similar niches" on entirely different locations on the planet.
That's convergent evolution, and that's what Jenkinson is
claiming: that he never heard Jaco, yet was himself surprised
at the similarity.
True story on his part or not, it is an example of convergent evolution.
seek
np: Metic - Master Blaster ep
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