Distant fish relatives share looks
James Cook University scientists have found evidence that even distantly related Australian fish species have evolved to look and act like each other, which confirms a central tenet of evolutionary theory.
Dr Aaron Davis from the Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) at JCU said the phenomenon, known as convergent evolution, happens when different fish adopt similar lifestyles and evolve through time to look very similar.
Scientists used techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and x-ray imaging to investigate species’ bodies and feeding mechanisms.
“The study highlighted some really striking similarities in characteristics like tooth and jaw structure and body shape between Australian freshwater grunters and…
