Homology

Convergent evolution is a theory used by scientists to explain how animals that have similar lifestyles, although otherwise unconnected, may develop striking resemblances to one another, by having to adapt to similar environments.

Such coincidental resemblances are equally well explained by Intelligent Design though; it is only sensible that creatures that have been made for similar habitats and modes of behaviour, will consequentially share many physical similarities.

Examples commonly cited in support of convergent evolution include:

• Dolphins, oceanic sharks, tuna fish, and the extinct ichthyosaurs, which all share a streamlined fishlike form, for their swift swimming predatory lifestyle. Tuna, ichthyosaurs, and certain oceanic sharks even have elevated body temperatures, just like the warm-blooded dolphin, supposedly to facilitate their high levels of activity, even though fish and reptiles are otherwise almost entirely cold-blooded.

• Hedgehogs, echidnas and certain types of Madagascan tenrecs - though widely separated geographically, all have a coat of protective spines and a prehensile snout ideal for snuffling for invertebrates.

• Penguins of the Southern hemisphere and auks of the Northern hemisphere both live by chasing fish underwater, using their short stubby wings to fly beneath the waves.