Trends In Evolution: Convergence And Divergence
The purpose of this activity is to reinforce the concepts of evolution by means of natural selection. Students will explore the evidence used to determine evolutionary relationships. They will recognize how similar selective pressures can result in similar phenotypes and adaptive strategies and how species differentiate due to resource partitioning and competition whenpioneering a new environment. This lesson should take approximately two 50-minute class periods. Additional time may be required for introductory and/or wrap-up discussions. This lesson is designed to be used in an introductory high school biology course.
Related resources
Topics
- HS-LS4-1
- HS-LS4-4
- phylogenetic trees
- homology
- anolis
- adaptive radiation
- convergent evolution
- divergent evolution
- ecomorph
- natural selection
- niche
- phenotype
- phylogeny