Question

the platypus is an egg - laying mammal from australia. the male platypus has venomous stingers on his back feet that he uses to stab and poison enemies. the poisonous chemicals in platypus venom are also found in other animals. some snakes, lizards, starfish, and sea anemones have very similar chemicals in their venom. how did all these animals end up using similar poisons? a. all the animals are in the same genus. b. all the animals are closely related to each other. c. all the animals evolved from a common, venomous ancestor. d. all the animals evolved similar characteristics by convergent evolution.

Explanation:

Convergent evolution is when different organisms independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. Snakes, lizards, starfish, sea anemones, and platypus are not closely - related, nor do they all belong to the same genus or evolve from a common venomous ancestor. The similar poisons are a result of convergent evolution.

Answer:

D. All the animals evolved similar characteristics by convergent evolution.