Download Patterns of Evolution: Convergent Evolution vs. Divergent Evolution

Patterns of Evolution:
Convergent Evolution
&
Divergent Evolution
Convergent Evolution
 Occurs when different organisms that live
in similar environments become more
alike in appearance and behavior
 The environment selects similar adaptations
in unrelated species.
 Organisms develop analogous structures
(same function, but different origins).
 Examples: - Bird wings/insect wings
- Shark fins/dolphin fins
More examples:
Placental Mammals: top row
Marsupial Mammals: bottom row
Convergent Evolution
Dolphins
and
Sharks
Divergent Evolution
 The process by which an ancestral
species gives rise to a number of new
species that are adapted to different
environmental conditions and are less
alike.
 Often occurs when a species colonizes a
new environment.
 Examples: - Darwin’s Finches
- Brown bears and polar bears
Divergent Evolution