Divergent vs Convergent Evolution

What is the primary difference between divergent and convergent evolution?

• Divergent evolution leads to species becoming more similar, while convergent evolution leads to species becoming more different.

• Divergent evolution leads to species becoming more different, while convergent evolution leads to species becoming more similar.

• Divergent evolution occurs only in plants, while convergent evolution occurs only in animals.

• Divergent evolution is a result of genetic drift, while convergent evolution is a result of natural selection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

• The wings of bats and birds

• The beaks of Darwin's finches

• The fur color of polar bears and grizzly bears

• The tail fins of dolphins and sharks

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates divergent evolution?

• Two unrelated species developing similar traits due to similar environments

• A single species evolving into two distinct species due to different environments

• Two species merging into a single species over time

• A species remaining unchanged over millions of years

What is a common result of divergent evolution?

• Increased genetic similarity between species

• Development of homologous structures

• Development of analogous structures

• Species extinction

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of convergent evolution?

• Development of similar traits in unrelated species

• Adaptation to similar environmental pressures

• Development of homologous structures

• Independent evolution of similar features

How does convergent evolution affect the genetic makeup of species?

• It causes species to have identical DNA sequences

• It leads to the development of similar traits without altering genetic makeup

• It results in significant genetic changes leading to new species

• It causes species to lose genetic diversity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following pairs of structures are considered analogous due to convergent evolution?

• Human arm and whale flipper

• Bat wing and insect wing

• Cat paw and dog paw

• Horse hoof and deer hoof

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

In which type of evolution do species share a common ancestor?

• Convergent evolution

• Divergent evolution

• Parallel evolution

• None of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Which of the following best describes the process of adaptive radiation?

• A single species evolves into multiple species, each adapted to a different environment

• Multiple species evolve into a single species due to similar environmental pressures

• Species evolve similar traits independently due to similar environments

• Species remain unchanged despite environmental changes

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What role does natural selection play in divergent evolution?

• It selects for traits that make species more similar

• It selects for traits that make species more different

• It has no role in divergent evolution

• It only affects convergent evolution

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4