Similarities in proteins and genes performing a given function among diverse organisms give clues to their evolutionary history. These biochemical similarities point to the same conclusion as the structural similarities observed in the forelimbs of mammals. Which of the following evolutionary phenomena is indicated by both these lines of evidence?

Step-by-step solution

According to NCERT, similarities in proteins and genes performing a given function among diverse organisms give clues to common ancestry. These biochemical similarities point to the same shared ancestry as structural similarities (homology) among diverse organisms. Both biochemical and structural homologies provide evidence for divergent evolution, where different groups evolve from a shared common ancestor. Convergent evolution leads to analogous structures, not homologous ones, and adaptive radiation implies evol