Explain, convergent and divergent evolution Flashcards
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is the process where unrelated or distantly related organisms evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental challenges.
What is divergent evolution?
Divergent evolution is the process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to different environmental pressures.
True or False: Convergent evolution results in similar traits in unrelated species.
True
Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution? A) Dolphins and sharks B) Wolves and domestic dogs C) Humans and chimpanzees
A) Dolphins and sharks
Fill in the blank: Divergent evolution often leads to __________ among species.
speciation
What role does natural selection play in convergent evolution?
Natural selection drives convergent evolution by favoring similar adaptations in organisms facing similar environmental challenges.
Name a key factor that can lead to divergent evolution.
Different environmental pressures or niches.
True or False: Convergent evolution can occur in both plants and animals.
True
What is a common outcome of divergent evolution?
The development of new species from a common ancestor.
Which of the following is a classic example of divergent evolution? A) The evolution of wings in bats and birds B) The evolution of different beak shapes in Darwin’s finches C) The camouflage of stick insects
B) The evolution of different beak shapes in Darwin’s finches
Fill in the blank: The process of __________ evolution can lead to homologous structures.
divergent
What are homologous structures?
Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.
True or False: Analogous structures are a result of divergent evolution.
False
What are analogous structures?
Analogous structures are features in different species that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry, resulting from convergent evolution.
Which concept describes the idea that similar environmental pressures can lead to similar adaptations in unrelated species?
Convergent evolution
Name one mechanism that can drive divergent evolution.
Geographic isolation
True or False: Both convergent and divergent evolution can occur simultaneously in different lineages.
True
What is adaptive radiation?
Adaptive radiation is a form of divergent evolution where a single ancestor species rapidly diversifies into a wide variety of forms to adapt to different environments.
Fill in the blank: The __________ effect can lead to divergent evolution by isolating populations.
founder
What is an example of convergent evolution in plants?
The development of similar drought-resistant traits in cacti and euphorbias.
True or False: Divergent evolution can result in the extinction of some species.
True
What is the main difference between convergent and divergent evolution?
Convergent evolution leads to similar traits in unrelated species, while divergent evolution leads to differences in related species.
Which term describes the evolutionary process where species that are closely related become more different over time?
Divergent evolution
Fill in the blank: Convergent evolution often results in __________ structures.
analogous
What is the significance of studying convergent and divergent evolution?
It helps us understand how species adapt to their environments and the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity.
