Table of Contents
What drives convergence in cacti and Euphorbia?
Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) The North American Cacti and African Euphorbias converged by developing a photosynthetic mechanism called ‘Crassulacean Acid Metabolism’ or CAM.
Why cactus and Euphorbia evolve similar features?
The many similarities between euphorbia and cacti result from convergent evolution. For example, both euphorbias and cacti are stem succulents, a type of plant that stores water in stem tissues. This adaptation, along with lack of leaves, allows these plants to survive in highly arid conditions.
How can you explain the similarity between a cactus and a Euphorbia plant despite the two families being geographically distant?
Both plants grow into tall trees with woody trunks (called “corking”), both have ribs which help the plant body to expand when taking up moisture from downpours after long droughts, both store water for those long droughts, and both have prickles to defend themselves.
Are succulents an example of convergent evolution?
The succulent syndrome is considered to be one of the most remarkable examples of convergent evolution across the plant kingdom. Common to all succulents is the presence of large cells for water storage.
Is Euphorbia related to cactus?
The Euphorbia genus of plants is most well-known for its succulent species which are elegant and architectural in appearance. These plants are often mistaken for cacti due to many of the popular varieties being stem succulents.
How did cactus evolve?
It is speculated that the ancestor of the cactus family were scrubby trees from a seasonably dry, but relatively warm climate. The uplift of the continent as the Andes began forming probably increased the rate of speciation within the cacti.
What is an example of convergent evolution from desert environments?
Convergent Evolution in Desert Lizards Some of the most striking examples of convergent evolution are found in desert lizards throughout the world. Australian and North American deserts each support a cryptically colored lizard species that is specialized to eat ants and is protected by sharp spines.
Which of the following is the evolution of similar characteristics in both the American cactus and the African Euphorbia an example?
Example of parallel evolution: North American cactus and the African euphorbia that developed similar adaptation, which is their thick stems and sharp quills to survive the hot, arid climates. These two plant species are of different plant families but live in the same type of environment.
Is euphorbia related to cactus?
What are examples of convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is when different organisms independently evolve similar traits. For example, sharks and dolphins look relatively similar despite being entirely unrelated.
Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution gives rise to analogous structure and dolphin and shark though they are different in origin but they have similar body structure which makes them to swim in the ocean in the water. So these are the example for convergent evolution.
What specialized structure is common to Euphorbia and cactus?
A specialized structure called a cyathium (fused bracts that form a cup) has a single female flower with 3 styles surrounded by five groups of male flowers, each with a single anther, and five nectar glands.
What are the common parts of Euphorbia and cactus?
Both cacti and euphorbia species feature some sort of modified stems that come in the form of thorns. For euphorbia, their thorns come in either a pair or single. These thorns are very thick and form part of the stem.
How did cactus evolve in the desert?
Do cactuses evolve?
At some point early in the evolution of cacti their leaves evolved to be smaller and smaller and eventually into hardened points that did not photosynthesize. Cacti also evolved green stems which took over the photosynthetic tasks.
When would convergent evolution occur?
Convergent evolution occurs when species occupy similar ecological niches and adapt in similar ways in response to similar selective pressures. Traits that arise through convergent evolution are referred to as ‘analogous structures’. They are contrasted with ‘homologous structures’, which have a common origin.
Which of the following is a example of convergent evolution?
Flippers of dolphins and penguins are examples of convergent evolution. In both animals; flippers have different origins but serve a similar purpose.
What are the similarities between Euphorbia and cacti?
The many similarities between euphorbia and cacti result from convergent evolution. For example, both euphorbias and cacti are stem succulents, a type of plant that stores water in stem tissues. This adaptation, along with lack of leaves, allows these plants to survive in highly arid conditions.
Is cactus convergent or convergent evolution?
Convergent Evolution. Adaptations of North American Cacti and African Euphorbias. The North American Cactus and African Euphorbia species originated from two different, but similar plants. These plants were the typical herbaceous species of the early Earth, characterised by their slim stems and large, wide leaves.
Which characteristic has developed for both plants as a result of convergent evolution?
A common characteristic which has developed for both plant species, as a result of convergent evolution, is the adaptation of branching stems and longitudinal ribs. In order to contend with the harsh desert environments, the African Euphorbias and North American Cacti had to somehow adjust to the climate.
Why do euphorbias and cacti store water in their stems?
Therefore, euphorbias and cacti could store water in their stems, preventing water wastage and sustaining the plant. The development of folded or ‘plicated’, succulent stems in cacti and euphorbias also contributed to their efficient water storage practices.