The characteristic that evolved independently in mammals and birds was ENDOTHERMY (Option E).
- Endothermy refers to the physiological mechanism by which an organism maintains a high and stable internal body temperature through metabolic regulation.
- Endotherm animals generate heat by increasing their internal body temperature and resting metabolic rate.
- True endothermic animals, also known as warm-blooded animals or homeotherms, are only mammals and birds.
- The endothermy appeared by convergent evolution (i.e., by independent evolution in different species) as a fundamental phenotypic feature of birds and mammals.
In conclusion, the characteristic that evolved independently in mammals and birds was ENDOTHERMY (Option E).
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