Why is convergent evolution evidence for evolution?
Convergent evolution—in which distinct lineages independently evolve similar traits—has fascinated evolutionary biologists for centuries [1], in large part because convergent evolution is often thought to represent a visible manifestation of the power of natural selection.Jun 3, 2019
How is convergent evolution Evidence of evolution?
Convergent evolution refers to the evolution in different lineages of structures that are similar or 'analogous', but that cannot be attributed to the existence of a common ancestor; in other words, the fact that the structures are analogous does not reflect homology.
How does convergent evolution Provide Evidence for evolution?
Two species occupying a similar habitat may exhibit common physical traits; if these species come from different biological ancestors yet still have much in common, their similarities may be the result of convergent evolution.Jun 7, 2021
What is convergent evolution provide an example?
Sometimes, similar phenotypes evolve independently in distantly related species. For example, flight has evolved in both bats and insects, and they both have wings, which are adaptations to flight. However, the wings of bats and insects have evolved from very different original structures.Jun 8, 2022
How does divergent evolution Provide Evidence for evolution?
Divergent evolution represents the evolutionary pattern in which species sharing a common ancestry become more distinct due to differential selection pressure which gradually leads to speciation over an evolutionary time period.
What does divergent evolution do?
The process by which different organisms having common ancestors develop different traits or characteristics to adapt to the changing environmental conditions and needs is known as divergent evolution.
What type of evidence supports convergent and divergent evolution?
Evolution may be convergent with similar traits evolving in multiple species or divergent with diverse traits evolving in multiple species that came from a common ancestor. We can observe evidence of evolution by means of DNA code and the fossil record, and also by the existence of homologous and vestigial structures.
How does divergent evolution lead to variation in species?
Divergent evolution is commonly defined as what occurs when two groups of the same species evolve different traits within those groups in order to accommodate for differing environmental and social pressures. Various examples of such pressures can include predation, food supplies, and competition for mates.
How does convergent evolution support natural selection?
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.
How does convergent evolution support 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.
How does divergent evolution support the theory of 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