What does convergent evolution lead to?
In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution is the process whereby organisms not closely related (not monophyletic), independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.
What does divergent evolution lead to?
The buildup of these adaptive traits makes this subgroup more and more distinct from their ancestor. Thus, divergent selection eventually leads to speciation over an evolutionary time period (Rundle and Nosil 2005).
What is the cause of convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution at the genetic level can result from one of three processes: first, evolution by mutations that occurred independently in different populations or species; second, evolution of an allele that was polymorphic in a shared ancestral population; and third, evolution of an allele that was introduced ...Oct 9, 2013
What causes convergent and divergent evolution?
Speciation is a result of divergent evolution and occurs when one species diverges into multiple descendant species. Darwin's finches are an example of this. Convergent evolution occurs when species have different ancestral origins but have developed similar features.Nov 18, 2021
What causes divergence evolution?
Divergent evolution or evolutionary branching occurs in response to selective pressure like changes in biotic factors (e.g., species interactions) and abiotic factors (environmental factors like climate, nutrient status, physical structure, and niche divergence) which drive natural selection.
What causes convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution occurs when species occupy similar ecological niches and adapt in similar ways in response to similar selective pressures. Traits that arise through convergent evolution are referred to as 'analogous structures'. They are contrasted with 'homologous structures', which have a common origin.
What do convergent and divergent evolution have in common?
Similarities Between Convergent and Divergent Evolution
Both convergent and divergent evolution have contributed to the development of present organisms from the past organisms. Both convergent and divergent evolution generate variation, aiding species to perform their niche in the environment.Jul 25, 2017
What causes species divergence?
The central idea here is that when populations are geographically separated, they will diverge from one another, both in the way they look and genetically. These changes might occur by natural selection or by random chance (i.e., genetic drift), and in both cases result in reproductive isolation.
What causes divergent evolution?
Divergent evolution occurs when a population of animals or plants is split into two groups by a geographic barrier (for instance, a body of water or a migration to a new area), causing each group to develop different traits under their respective selective pressures and natural selection.Jun 7, 2021
What causes diverge species?
Genetic divergence happens because of natural selection, which may favor different traits in each environment, and other evolutionary forces like genetic drift. As they diverge, the groups may evolve traits that act as prezygotic and/or postzygotic barriers to reproduction.
What structure is responsible for divergent evolution?
In divergent evolution, homologous structures are structures indicating a species is diverging from its ancestor. These structures need not have the same function as those of the species' ancestors. For example, the forelimbs of humans and bats are homologous structures.Jun 16, 2022