convergent evolution

Examples of convergent evolution in the following topics:

• Convergent Evolution

  • Convergent evolution occurs in different species that have evolved similar traits independently of each other.
  • This phenomenon is called convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in species that do not share a recent common ancestry.
  • Convergent evolution describes the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages.
  • Convergent evolution is similar to, but distinguishable from, the phenomenon of parallel evolution.
  • The opposite of convergent evolution is divergent evolution, whereby related species evolve different traits.

• Evolution of Reptiles

  • Pterosaurs had a number of adaptations that allowed for flight, including hollow bones (birds also exhibit hollow bones, a case of convergent evolution).

• CAM and C4 Photosynthesis

  • Over 90% of plants use C3 carbon fixation, compared to 3% that use C4 carbon fixation; however, the evolution of C4 in over 60 plant lineages makes it a striking example of convergent evolution.

• Processes and Patterns of Evolution

  • The evolution of species has resulted in enormous variation in form and function.
  • Sometimes, evolution gives rise to groups of organisms that become tremendously different from each other.
  • When two species evolve in diverse directions from a common point, it is called divergent evolution.
  • This phenomenon is called convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in species that do not share a recent common ancestry.
  • These physical changes occur over enormous spans of time and help explain how evolution occurs.

• Constructing an Animal Phylogenetic Tree

  • In particular, they clarify whether certain traits are homologous (found in the common ancestor as a result of divergent evolution) or homoplasy (sometimes referred to as analogous: a character that is not found in a common ancestor, but whose function developed independently in two or more organisms through convergent evolution).

• Amoebozoa and Opisthokonta

  • A subset of the amoebozoans, the slime molds, has several morphological similarities to fungi that are thought to be the result of convergent evolution.

• Evidence of Evolution

  • Evidence for evolution has been obtained through fossil records, embryology, geography, and molecular biology.
  • The evidence for evolution is compelling and extensive.
  • Another form of evidence of evolution is the convergence of form in organisms that share similar environments.
  • DNA sequences have also shed light on some of the mechanisms of evolution.
  • Explain how the fossil record has aided in the development of the theory of evolution

• Evolution of Angiosperms

• What is Evolution?

  • Evolution, the unifying theory of biology, describes a mechanism for the change and diversification of species over time.
  • Although it may seem that living things today stay the same, this is not the case: evolution is a gradual and ongoing process.
  • Evolution by natural selection describes a mechanism for the change of species over time .
  • Lyell's ideas, in turn, influenced Darwin's concept of evolution.
  • All organisms are products of evolution adapted to their environment.

• Misconceptions of Evolution

  • In the same way, the theory of evolution describes facts about the living world.
  • The theory of evolution explains how populations change over time.
  • In a larger sense, evolution is not goal directed.
  • Genetic drift, for example, is another mechanism by which evolution may occurs.
  • Thus evolution can occur without natural selection.