Evolution

Question 1

The platypus is evidence for what type of evolution

Answer 1

macroevolution

Question 2

The horse is evidence for what type of evolution

Answer 2

microevolution

Question 3

What is convergent evolution

Answer 3

Unrelated species look similar because of similar selection pressures. eg. dolphin and shark

Question 4

What is divergent evolution

Answer 4

Related organisms look different because of different selection pressures eg. Galapagos finches

Question 5

What is speciation

Answer 5

the formation of a new species

Question 6

What is gradualism

Answer 6

small changes that accumulate over time (lots of microevolution –> macroevolution)

Question 7

How does punctuated equilibrium differ from gradualism

Answer 7

Punctuated equilibrium was proposed by Stephen Gould and suggests that species tend to show little changes over long periods of time that are interrupted by rapid bursts of change that result in speciation (individuals gained adaptive advantage from changed environmental conditions). This matches the fossil record particularly following mass extinctions from which new species rapidly form.

eg. horseshoe crab has not changed in millions of years.