Types of Evolution

Question 1

What affects evolution?

Answer 1

Factors such as environment and predation pressures.

Question 2

What is divergent evolution, give an example.

Answer 2

Species become gradually and increasingly different from a common ancestor. This is how homologous structures are formed.

E.g. dog species descended from wolves

Question 3

What is adaptive radiation?

Answer 3

A form of divergent evolution where a cluster of different species evolve from a single ancestral species.

E.g. Darwin’s finches

Question 4

What is convergent evolution?

Answer 4

Opposite of divergent evolution. Organisms are not closely related and independently evolve similar traits. Creates analogus structures.

E.g. wings of insects, birds and bats

Question 5

What is parallel evolution?

Answer 5

When two species originating from a similar common ancestor evolve similar traits independent of each other.

E.g. Marsupial and placental animals

Question 6

What is coevolution?

Answer 6

Process by which two or more species evolve in tandem by exerting selection pressures on each other.

E.g. pollination: plant reproduction requires other species

Question 7

Define ‘microevolution’

Answer 7

Small evolutionary changes within a species or population.

Question 8

Define ‘macroevolution’

Answer 8

Evolution on a scale at or above the level of species.

Question 9

What is phyletic gradualism?

Answer 9

The idea that gradual change over a long period of time leads to species formation.

Question 10

What is punctuated equilibrium?

Answer 10

The idea that species evolution involves long periods of little or no change followed by rapid change.

E.g. supported by the lackof transitional fossils for most species