New World and Old World Vultures are Not Closely Related

New World and Old World Vultures are Not Closely Related. Vultures are a group of 22 different bird species. A vulture is commonly recognized as a big bird that like to consume carrion and is typically bald. Because they spend so much time cleaning up toxic, bacterial-filled meat, they may appear a little disgusting by human standards. However, don't be too harsh on them because they offer a great service.

These 22 bird species can be further divided into Old World and New World groups, with Old World groups include vultures found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and New World groups including those found in North and South America. Despite the striking genetic similarities between New World and Old World species, it is clear from these discrepancies that many of these birds underwent convergent evolution. Old World vultures, a group of raptors, appear to have descended from birds of prey. However, storks are the ancestors of New World vultures.