Bio II Concept 2

Differentiate between speciation and extinction.

Speciation is the birth of a species and extinction is the death of a species.

Adaptive radiation

An evolutionary pattern in which many species evolve from a single ancestral species

Differentiate between divergent and convergent evolution. Include an example of each in your explanation.

Convergent evolution is the process where two or different species develop similar traits, while having the different ancestor, Ex.) birds and bats. Divergent evolution is the accumulation of differences between closely related populations within a species, leading to speciation Ex.) Darwin discovered that finches beaks adapted to their environments.

Differentiate between gradual and mass extinction.

Gradual extinction happens over time at a normal rate, but mass extinction is completely wiping out a species at a rapid rate.

Differentiate between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.

Gradualism is a slower rate at which changes in a species are made, and punctuated equilibrium happens rapidly.

Species

A group of organisms that are closely related and can mate to produce fertile offspring

Explain why isolation would be necessary for speciation to occur.

Isolation causes individuals of an original species to accumulate genetic differences to prevent them breeding with each other when they are reunited.

Explain the significance of coevolution.

It is the process of evolutionary change that occurs among groups of species as they interact with one another.