Divergent and Convergent Evolution

• Divergent Evolution


  Occurs when two or more species sharing a common ancestor become more different over time.
• What Causes Divergent Evolution

  Selection pressures, like different environments, ecological niches or changes in available resources.
• How Does Divergent Evolution Affect Organisms

  Species will adapt to their distinct environments, leading to greater genetic differences and distinct physical traits.
• Homologous Structures

  Are body parts in different species that share a common ancestral origin but may serve different functions. Support the concept of common ancestry.
• Examples of homologous structures

  These include the vertebrate, limb bones, such as the human arm and the bat wing.
• Convergent Evolution

  When unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures
• What causes convergent evolution

  Selection pressures such as climate, predation and availability of similar resources.
• Analogue structures

  Traits that serve a similar function but are not derived from a common ancestor. They arise independently due to similar environmental challenges.
• Example of Analogous Structure

  Wings of birds and insects. They evolved separately but they serve the same function which is to fly.
• Ecological Equivalents


  Species with different origins develop similar adaptations because they occupy similar niches in different geographic area
• Adaptive Radiation


  A type of divergent evolution. Is when a number of different species develop from common ancestors.
• Parallel Evolution

  Similar features evolve in species with a common ancestor. This is because they are subjected to similar selection pressures. There is a common ancestor
• Sequential Evolution


  This occurs when species change over time.
• Co-Evolution


  The reciprocal evolutionary effect that two species can have on each other when they interact. Each species provides a natural selective influence on the other. They evolve together.