Mechanisms
1. Divergent Evolution
-Occurs when small fragments of a populations inhabit new areas and become isolated…..they adapt (evolve) to their new habitats
-Common ancestor so DNA is similar
-EXAMPLE: Galapagos Finches
2. Convergent Evolution
-Occurs when two unrelated species begin to inhabit the same environment and adapt (evolve) so will display similar characteristics
-No common ancestor so DNA is not related
-EXAMPLE: Duck and platypus bills
-Occurs when small fragments of a populations inhabit new areas and become isolated…..they adapt (evolve) to their new habitats
-Common ancestor so DNA is similar
-EXAMPLE: Galapagos Finches
2. Convergent Evolution
-Occurs when two unrelated species begin to inhabit the same environment and adapt (evolve) so will display similar characteristics
-No common ancestor so DNA is not related
-EXAMPLE: Duck and platypus bills
What it is
Major evolutionary change. The term applies mainly to the evolution of whole taxonomic groups over long periods of time.