Convergent or Divergent Evolution

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Some plants are toxic to protect themselves from insects. In response, insects have evolved ways to become resistant to the toxins.

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Coevolution

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4