Patterns of Evolution There are several broad patterns of evolution observable in nature: Speciation Extinction Gradualism Punctuated equilibrium Adaptive radiation (or Divergent evolution) Convergent evolution Coevolution
Speciation Speciation - forming of a new species by evolution from pre-existing species. Gene pools gradually become different & are no longer able to reproduce. Some sort of isolation must occur At this point the 2 groups are different species. Pause and Play: Crash Course YouTube video on speciation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oKlKmrbLoU Note: This video is a part of the Lab Station Activity after Concept 3 Notes
Extinction Extinction - elimination of a species. Gradual extinction - occurs at a slow rate. Ex: changes in climate, natural disasters. Mass extinction - occurs when a catastrophic event changes the environment suddenly Ex: massive volcano, meteor
Gradualism Slow changes over a long period of time Example: The gradual evolution of peppered moths to become darker and darker over time due to the industrial revolution and the darkening of tree bark due to ashes
Punctuated equilibrium Bursts of change followed by periods of stability Example: Long periods of stability in the mammal population interrupted by bursts of change due to major environmental changes
Adaptive Radiation aka, Divergent Evolution A number of different species arise from one common ancestor. New environments caused them to evolve to be different Leads to homologous structures Similar structure, different use
Convergent Evolution When unrelated species evolve similar characteristics because they live in similar environments Leads to analogous structures Different structure, same use
Coevolution Two organisms change in response to each other forming a specialized relationship.
Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction: takes two organisms to make offspring; process of meiosis to create gametes Genetic changes transcription/translation of different proteins change in phenotype of an individual organism Makes organisms better suited for changing environments Asexual Reproduction: process of binary fission or mitosis where only one parent produces genetically identical offspring Genetic variation can only occur through mutations of DNA Better suited for stable environments