Types of Evolution and Speciation

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What is Divergent Evolution?

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The process where groups from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, resulting in the formation of new species.

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What is Convergent Evolution?

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The process where species that are not closely related independently evolve functionally or visually similar structures.

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What is a Behavioral Reproductive Barrier?

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A type of reproductive barrier where one population reacts to the actions of males to capture the female's attention.

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What is Gradualism in evolution?

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The hypothesis that evolution of a species 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 are Vestigial Organs?

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Structures that have lost most or all of their original function through the course of evolution.

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What is Speciation?

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The process by which new distinct species evolve from a common ancestor.

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What is the Law of Superposition?

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A geological principle that states in undisturbed layers of rock, older layers are at the bottom and younger layers are at the top.

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What is Punctuated Equilibrium?

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The theory that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.

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What is Microevolution?

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Small-scale evolutionary changes that occur within a species or population.