Patterns of Evolution

In the ocean surrounding Antarctica, there are fish that survive the cold water by using a molecule made of glycoproteins that circulates the blood and keeps it from freezing.  Certain kinds of worms that live in the Arctic ocean also make antifreeze proteins that help them live in icy water.

• convergent evolution

• divergent evolution

• coevolution

Ants are the correct size and weight needed to open the flowers for the peony plant.  The peony plant provides food for the ant and the ant fertilizes the peony’s flowers

• divergent evolution

• convergent evolution

• coevolution

The kit fox lives in the desert and has large ears with greater surface area that keep the fox from getting overheated.  The red fox lives in the forest and has a red coat that keeps it camouflaged.

• divergent evolution

• convergent evolution

• coevolution

Forming of a new species by evolution from pre-existing species.

• Speciation

• Extinction

• Gradualism

• Punctuated equilibrium

Evolution occurring gradually and slowly over long periods of time

• Homeostasis

• Stasis

• Punctuated Equilibrium

• Gradualism