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Divergent Evolution

Divergent Evolution

The phenomenon where initially similar populations accumulate differences over evolutionary time, becoming increasingly distinct.

Convergent Evolution

Different lineages independently evolve similar characteristics due to similar environmental pressures.

Parallel Evolution

Evolution where two related species evolve in similar ways for a shared trait.

Phylogeny

Represents the evolutionary history and relationships between groups of organisms.

Microevolution

Small-scale changes in allele frequencies within a population over a short period.

Macroevolution

Evolution on a grand scale leading to the formation of new species.

Cladogenesis

Evolutionary splitting event where a parent species diverges into two distinct species.

Anagenesis

Gradual accumulation of changes in an ancestral species leading to the formation of a new species.

Adaptive Radiation

Rapid divergence from a single lineage to give rise to many new species.

Extinction

The disappearance of a species, which can occur individually or across many lineages.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Peppered Moth

Biston betularia, a moth species known for its color variation and adaptation to environmental changes during the Industrial Revolution.

Speciation

The formation of a new species from an existing one, often due to genetic variations and environmental factors.

Inbreeding

Mating of closely related individuals within a species, leading to reduced genetic variation and potential negative effects on offspring.

Founder Effect

Genetic phenomenon where a small group of individuals establish a new population, leading to reduced genetic diversity and potential genetic diseases.

Outbreeding

Mating of unrelated individuals within a species, increasing genetic variation and promoting hybrid vigor.

Genetic Bottleneck

A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities, leading to decreased genetic diversity.

Migration

Movement of individuals from one population to another, influencing genetic diversity and potentially causing founder effects.

Hybrid Vigor

Increased fitness, growth, and other beneficial traits in offspring resulting from the mating of genetically diverse individuals.

Evolution

The process of gradual change in species over time, driven by natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental factors.

Genetic Bottleneck

A phenomenon where a population is sharply reduced in size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

Speciation

The process by which new biological species arise, involving the evolution of reproductive isolation between populations.

Adaptive Radiation

The process where one species diversifies into multiple species to exploit different ecological niches.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs due to geographic isolation, preventing gene flow between populations.

Sympatric Speciation

Speciation occurring within the same geographical area, often due to behavioral or genetic differences.

Hybridization

The mating of genetically different parents resulting in a hybrid organism, more common in plants.

Polyploid Plants

Plants with extra sets of chromosomes due to errors during cell division, leading to reproductive isolation from original species.

Mate Recognition System

Signals or behaviors that animals use to recognize potential mates, crucial for reproductive isolation and speciation.

Pre-pollination Barriers

Mechanisms that limit the transfer of pollen between individuals of different species, contributing to reproductive isolation.

Ecological Niche

The role and position of a species within an ecosystem, determining its interactions with the environment and other species.