Identify the option that gives the correct type of evolution exhibited by the two animals shown, living in the same habitat in Australia.

The correct option is Convergent Evolution.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyzing the Image:
The provided image displays two distinct animals separated by a vertical dividing line. The labels underneath them are:
• Mouse (on the left)
• Marsupial mouse (on the right)

2. Defining Convergent Evolution:
Convergent evolution is an evolutionary process where organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar physical structures, behaviors, or adaptations. This similarity arises because the organisms occupy similar ecological niches and are subjected to similar selective environmental pressures.

3. Comparing the Mouse and the Marsupial Mouse:
• Placental vs. Marsupial Lineages: The common mouse is a placental mammal, meaning its young develop fully inside the mother's uterus nourished by a placenta. In contrast, the marsupial mouse is a marsupial mammal whose young are born highly underdeveloped and complete their growth inside a protective pouch.
• Independent Adaptation: These two groups diverged from a common ancestor more than 100 million years ago. Australia's geographical isolation allowed marsupials to undergo adaptive radiation. In doing so, marsupials evolved to fill the same ecological niches as placental mammals did in other parts of the world.
• Similar Niches: Because both the mouse and the marsupial mouse adapted to similar ground-dwelling, foraging lifestyles, they independently evolved highly similar body shapes, sizes, pointed snouts, and scampering behaviors.

4. Conclusion:
Since these two distantly related animals have developed remarkably similar phenotypes in response to similar environmental roles, they represent a classic example of convergent evolution. Therefore, the correct option is Convergent Evolution.