Convergent and Divergent Evolution

Convergent Evolution Organisms come from different ancestral lineages Organisms have the same function, but not the same structure

Analogous Structures Convergent evolution has analogous structures. Structures perform the same function, but have a different form. Wings in birds and wings in insects

Divergent Evolution Species that were once similar, but have now gone their separate ways Organisms have structures that have the same evolutionary origin

Homologous Structure Divergent evolution has homologous structures Structure are similar in arrangement and in function Forelimb of human, cat, whale, and bat.

Vestigial Organs Also from divergent evolution Little to no importance to the organism Remnants of structures that used to serve important functions in organisms ancestors Pelvis in whale

Cladograms Track traits through history Show relationships between organisms