Chloroplast Genome-Based Phylogeny Reveals Convergent Morphology in Similar Niche Species

This study investigated the phylogenetic relationships of species sharing similar ecological niches and discovered that they often exhibit similar morphological characteristics due to the frequent occurrence of morphological convergence among species inhabiting similar niches. "Additionally, these species shared similar morphological characteristics due to the frequent occurrence of morphological convergence among species with similar niches." This observation highlights the crucial role of environmental pressures in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of species with similar niches, even in the presence of genetic divergence. By analyzing chloroplast genomes, this study provides insights into the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in driving evolutionary adaptation.