Patterns of Evolution SC Standard B-5 Students will demonstrate an understanding of biological evolution & the diversity of life
Essential Question What are the important patterns of evolution?
Macroevolution the large scale evolutionary changes that take place over long periods of time
Extinction Disappearance of a species from all parts of its geographical range
Mass Extinctions Events in which many types of living things become extinct at the same time
What Causes Mass Extinctions? Causes of mass extinctions unknown Some may have single cause, probably most have multiple causes
Patterns of Evolution 1. Adaptive Radiation process in which a single species or small group of species evolves into several different forms that live in different ways
Patterns of Evolution 2. Convergent Evolution process by which many unrelated organisms independently evolve similarities when adapting to similar environments
Patterns of Evolution 3. Coevolution process in which 2 species evolve in response to changes in each other
Patterns of Evolution 4. Punctuated Equilibrium pattern of evolution in which long stable periods are interrupted by brief periods of rapid change There is also a model of gradualism: slow & steady change
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