After Skelton: Evolution (1993)

After Skelton: Evolution (1993)

There are several different types of evolution. In the diagram above they are shown. Divergent evolution is the most common type: the forms are getting more and more different. Parallel evolution is the case if two closely related species evolve in similar ways in successive time spans. This type occurs rather often if the circumstances are comparable. Iterative evolution is a repetition of about the same development in one group with large intervals in the range of millions of years. Convergent evolution is the most interesting one of these patterns. It is the phenomenon that nonrelated groups evolve to similar forms. An example are the woodpecker-like Darwin's finches and the real woodpeckers. And the beetle-like fruit flies from Hawaii and the real beetles. The cause lays in the similar ways of living of both groups. The shape they develop is obviously the best adaptation to the environment. Know more? Parallel evolution List of examples of convergent evolution

A nice example of convergent evolution is supplied by the marsupials (pouched mammals) and the common mammals (placentals). Nearly every form in one group has (or had) its counterpart in the other one: wolf - Tasmanian Wolf (extinct) ocelot - native cat flying squirrel - flying phalanger ground hog - wombat anteater - numbat mole - marsupial mole mouse - marsupial mouse etc. Know more? Tasmanian Wolf Ichthyosaurs resemble dolphins

Evolution 26

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