20.2 Patterns of Evolution

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What is convergent evolution?

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A process where organisms from different evolutionary backgrounds develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environments.

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What is punctuated equilibrium?

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A pattern of evolution characterized by long periods of stability interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.

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What is a mass extinction?

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An event where multiple species from all over the earth suddenly go extinct.

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What does it mean for a species to be extinct?

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The death of every member of a species.

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What is gradualism in evolution?

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The hypothesis that evolution occurs gradually over time as a slow and constant process.

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What are homologous structures?

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Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.

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What is adaptive radiation?

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The process by which a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.

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What is coevolution?

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The process where two or more species influence each other's evolution through reciprocal adaptations.

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What is the significance of fossil records in understanding evolution?

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Fossil records provide evidence of past life forms and their changes over time, helping to trace evolutionary history.

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What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

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Microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a species, while macroevolution involves large-scale changes that can lead to the emergence of new species.