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Types of Evolution Notes

The document explains the concepts of convergent and divergent evolution. Divergent evolution leads to species with a common ancestor developing different traits, while convergent evolution results in unrelated species evolving similar traits due to similar environments. Key examples include Darwin's finches for divergent evolution and the wings of bats and insects for convergent evolution.

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45 views2 pages

Types of Evolution Notes

The document explains the concepts of convergent and divergent evolution. Divergent evolution leads to species with a common ancestor developing different traits, while convergent evolution results in unrelated species evolving similar traits due to similar environments. Key examples include Darwin's finches for divergent evolution and the wings of bats and insects for convergent evolution.

Uploaded by

abukarigideonanamzooya
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Absolutely!

Here are clear and concise notes on Convergent and Divergent Evolution:

📘 Notes on Convergent and Divergent Evolution

🔹 1. What is Evolution?

 Evolution is the process by which species change over time through genetic variation
and natural selection.

🔹 2. Divergent Evolution

 Definition:
Divergent evolution occurs when two or more species share a common ancestor but
evolve different traits, leading to increased differences over time.

 Result:
Species become more different from each other.

 Example:

o Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos Islands have different beak shapes adapted
to different food sources but share a common ancestor.

o Forelimbs of mammals (human arm, whale flipper, bat wing) have different
functions but similar bone structures.

 Key Concept:
Leads to homologous structures — similar anatomy due to shared ancestry but
different functions.

🔹 3. Convergent Evolution

 Definition:
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits
independently, often because they live in similar environments or face similar
challenges.

 Result:
Species become more similar in certain traits despite no recent common ancestor.

 Example:
o Wings of bats (mammals) and insects serve the same function but evolved
independently.

o Dolphins (mammals) and sharks (fish) have similar streamlined body shapes
adapted for swimming.

 Key Concept:
Leads to analogous structures — similar function and appearance but different
evolutionary origins.

🔹 4. Summary Table

Aspect Divergent Evolution Convergent Evolution

Origin Common ancestor Different ancestors

Outcome Species become different Species become similar

Structures
Homologous structures Analogous structures
formed

Darwin’s finches, mammalian Wings of bats and insects, dolphin & shark
Example
limbs body

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