Methods of Evolution

The three species pictured do not share a common ancestor, yet have evolved to have a similar anatomy and life style. This is an example of ?

• Homologous Structures

• Divergent Evolution

• Vestigial Organs

• Convergent Evolution

The three species pictured share a common ancestor and have adapted so that each lives in a different environment. This is an example of

• Law of Superposition

• Evolutionary Arms Race

• Divergent Evolution

• Convergent Evolution

In convergent evolution, organisms share physical similarities because they 

• have a common ancestor
• live in the same enviornment
• develop homologous structures
• are closely related 

• The image shows convergent evolution.
• The image shows divergent evolution.
• The image shows adaptive radiation.
• The image shows homologous structures.

What happens in divergent evolution? 

• organisms become more similar
• organisms become less similar
• species become more related
• adaptive radiation always occurs

In the ocean surrounding Antarctica, there are fish that survive the cold water by using a molecule made of glycoproteins that circulates the blood and keeps it from freezing. Certain kinds of worms that live in the Arctic ocean also make antifreeze proteins that help them live in icy water.

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Coevolution

Hummingbirds have a beak just the right length to reach the nectar in a cardinal flower and as they feed their foreheads bump into the pollen structure. Cardinal flowers are red which hummingbirds can see but bees can’t. Cardinal flower’s pollen structure is just the right length for the hummingbird to pick up pollen as it feeds.

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Coevolution

Ostriches are native to the savannahs of Africa, while penguins live in the polar regions. Although ostriches and penguins are closely-related, they look very different

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Coevolution

As smaller lizard like reptiles hid in rock crevices to avoid larger predators and feed on smaller insects they found that shorter legs could get further in and find more insects. Over time through many generations snakes evolved as the legs were slowly lost.

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Coevolution

A sticky tongue is useful for catching and eating small insects. The poison dart frog and anteater both use this method of feeding.

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Coevolution