Graphic detail | It’s a family affair

The same covid-19 mutations are appearing in different places

Convergent evolution may make travel restrictions redundant

THE GENETIC mutations that cause evolution may arise at random. But natural selection often produces creatures that are similar, despite living in different environments. For example birds, bats, pterodactyls and insects all developed wings independently, because they were a nifty way to travel. This process is known as convergent evolution.

This article appeared in the Graphic detail section of the print edition under the headline "It’s a family affair"

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