Divergent Evolution

Parts of the body that are similar to other species because they have a common ancestor

• fossil record

• homologous structures

• embryology

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The three species pictured share a common ancestor and have adapted so that each lives in a different environment. This is an example of

• Law of Superposition

• Evolutionary Arms Race

• Divergent Evolution

• Convergent Evolution

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What happens in divergent evolution? 

• organisms become more similar

• organisms become less similar

• species become more related

• adaptive radiation always occurs

A number of different species arise from one common ancestor.

• Adaptive Radiation (aka, Divergent Evolution)

• Gradualism

• Coevolution

• Speciation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

• Phyletic Speciation

• Adaptive Radiation

• Convergent Evoltion

• Divergent Evoltuion

• Co-evolution

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Which traits were selected for in whale ancestors?

• Traits that helped them walk on land

• Traits that helped them move in water

• Traits that helped them give birth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What most likely caused the finches on the Galapagos Islands to have beaks that were different from the finches on the mainland?

• There were different types of predators on the islands.

• The finches on the mainland could not fly high enough.

• There was no water on the islands.

• There were different food types on each island.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following best describes divergent evolution?

• Species evolve to become more similar over time

• Species evolve to become less similar over time

• Species remain unchanged over time

• Species evolve to become identical

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is a common result of divergent evolution in a population?

• Increased genetic similarity

• Formation of new species

• Decreased biodiversity

• Extinction of species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following is an example of divergent evolution?

• Wings of bats and birds

• Fins of fish and flippers of whales

• Beaks of different bird species on the Galápagos Islands

• Eyes of humans and octopuses

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2