In evolutionary terms, what does adaptive convergence lead to?

Adaptive convergence, or convergent evolution, refers to the process where different species evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental challenges, even though they may be from distinct evolutionary backgrounds. This phenomenon illustrates how natural selection shapes species in comparable ways when they face similar ecological niches or pressures.

For example, the wings of bats and birds are a classic illustration of convergent evolution. Despite the fact that bats are mammals and birds are avians, both have developed the ability to fly and possess wings as adaptations to their environments. This highlights how different species can independently develop similar characteristics to enhance their survival and reproduction in analogous habitats.

The other options do not describe the outcome of adaptive convergence accurately. Species extinction pertains to the complete disappearance of a species, which is not a direct result of convergent evolution. Divergent evolution occurs when related species evolve different traits, often due to differing environments or pressures. The formation of new species is more aligned with speciation events influenced by isolation or significant changes in environments, rather than the adaptive convergence seen between unrelated lineages that adapt similarly.