There are six living species of mammals called hyraxes in the order Hyracoidea. These are small rabbit-like mammals that are also considered to be close relatives of both dugongs and elephants. All of these mammals are widely different morphologically. Explain how organisms that are widely different in morphology can have a close evolutionary relationship.

Question

Harold

Biology

18 March, 20:17

There are six living species of mammals called hyraxes in the order Hyracoidea. These are small rabbit-like mammals that are also considered to be close relatives of both dugongs and elephants. All of these mammals are widely different morphologically. Explain how organisms that are widely different in morphology can have a close evolutionary relationship.

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Haven Vega · Answer 1

Variation in gene leads to anatomical difference in the closely related species

Explanation:

Though some organisms are morphologically very different from each other, yet they can belong to same species group. It is because of shared genetic framework with minute changes.

For example - Human and chimpanzees have similar genes and share about 99 percent their genes with each other.

The variation in 1 % gene has led to visible anatomical differences such as varying lengths of arms, jaw structure and size etc.

The same is the case with six living species of mammals and their close relationship with dugongs and elephants