Patterns of Evolution

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Speciation

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The formation of new and distinct species from a pre-existing species.

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Extinction

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The elimination of a species.

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Gradualism

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The hypothesis that evolution proceeds chiefly by the accumulation of slow changes over a long period of time.

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Punctuated Equilibrium

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The theory that species evolve during short periods of rapid change followed by periods of stasis.

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Divergent Evolution

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The process by which different species arise from a common ancestor.

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Convergent Evolution

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The process whereby organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments.

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Coevolution

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When two populations of organisms form a specialized relationship and, as a result, change in response to each other.