Prelim Bio MOD 3 Part 3 Convergent and Divergent Evolution

Convergent Evolution occurs when:

• More distantly related species move into similar environments and are exposed to similar selection pressures which results in similar favourable characteristics being chosen by natural selection.

• Closely related species move into different environments and are exposed to different selection pressures which results in different favourable characteristics being chosen by natural selection.

Divergent evolution occurs when:

• More distantly related species move into similar environments and are exposed to similar selection pressures which results in similar favourable characteristics being chosen by natural selection.

• Closely related species move into different environments and are exposed to different selection pressures which results in different favourable characteristics being chosen by natural selection.

Adaptive radiation (evolution from a common ancestor of several divergent forms to different ways of life) leads to:

• convergent evolution

• divergent evolution

• natural selection

Sharks and Dolphins which are not closely related both show similarity in their streamlined shape due to living in similar environments. This is an example of:

• Divergent Evolution

• Convergent Evolution

The ratites (flightless birds) which have evolved from one ancestor are an example of:

• Convergent Evolution

• Divergent Evolution