Question

Using an example (from class or another) and one of the forms of evolution, explain in a short paragraph the true scientific meaning to the term evolution.
EXTRA CREDIT! Explain the other two types of evolution and provide an example. 2 pts each

Answer 1

There are basically three types of evolution divergent, convergent and parallel evolution.

a) Divergent Evolution – As the name depicts the species in this form of evolution becomes divergent i.e they evolve to become different from each other. This form of evolution is responsible for the current diversity of organisms existing on planet earth. For example human and apes evolved from a common primate ancestor.

b) Convergent Evolution – In this evolution, different species of organisms living in a similar biosphere start share common traits in the form of analogous features. For example – Whale and fish are not closely related species but they both have fins which are different in structure but have the same function.  

c) Parallel evolution – In this evolution the similar characteristics between the two set of organisms are maintained though the two species continue evolving separately. For example - marsupial mammals of Australia and the Placental mammals