Which of the following are examples of convergent evolution?(A) Flipp…

The correct answer is Option (1) → (B) and (D) only

Convergent evolution means that different structures, with different origins, evolve to do the same job, often because the organisms live in similar habitats. Such structures are called analogous. Homologous structures are the opposite case: the same basic structure changed for different jobs (divergent evolution).

(A) Flippers of dolphins and forelimb of cheetah — Incorrect. Both are forelimbs of mammals with the same bones (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals). They are homologous and show divergent evolution.

(B) Eyes of octopus and mammals — Correct. They have different origins and structure, but both do the job of seeing. They are analogous.

(C) Tendrils of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita — Incorrect. The thorn of Bougainvillea and the tendril of Cucurbita are both modified stems. They are homologous.

(D) Sweet potato and potato — Correct. Both store food, but sweet potato is a modified root and potato is a modified stem. They are analogous.

NCERT Extract:
What Are the Evidences for Evolution? – “… Other examples of analogy are the eye of the octopus and of mammals or the flippers of Penguins and Dolphins. One can say that it is the similar habitat that has resulted in selection of similar adaptive features in different groups of organisms but toward the same function: Sweet potato (root modification) and potato (stem modification) is another example for analogy.”