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"
More from Graphic detail
After Dobbs, Americans are turning to permanent contraception
More young women are tying their tubes
Five charts that show why the BJP expects to win India’s election
Narendra Modi’s party is eyeing another big victory
By 2100 half the world’s children will be born in sub-Saharan Africa
Fertility rates are falling faster everywhere else