Macro-evolution
Macro-evolution is the change from one species to another in is therefore also called 'Speciation'. This process can happen in two different ways (Darwin): Divergent Evolution and Convergent Evolution. Since the environment constantly changes, every organism has to adapt continuously to it.
Speciation
Speciation is the creation of new species.
Species
Species is a population of organisms that are able to breed and produce viable, fertile offspring.
1. Divergent Evolution
Divergent Evolution occurs if one population becomes isolated in a new area. This population adapts ( evolves) to its new environment and develops characteristics that differ from their original species. Those new species still have the same ancestors and similar DNA.
One example of a Divergent Evolution is Darwin's Finches on the Galapagos Islands which got separated on different islands and had to evolve to the characteristics of the different environment. Those finches developed different beaks that made them more suitable for the new island (i.e. a special beak for ground eating or insects)
Speciation
Speciation is the creation of new species.
Species
Species is a population of organisms that are able to breed and produce viable, fertile offspring.
1. Divergent Evolution
Divergent Evolution occurs if one population becomes isolated in a new area. This population adapts ( evolves) to its new environment and develops characteristics that differ from their original species. Those new species still have the same ancestors and similar DNA.
One example of a Divergent Evolution is Darwin's Finches on the Galapagos Islands which got separated on different islands and had to evolve to the characteristics of the different environment. Those finches developed different beaks that made them more suitable for the new island (i.e. a special beak for ground eating or insects)
2. Convergent Evolution
In a Convergent Evolution, two completely different species get to live in the same environment and therefore evolve similar characteristics. Since they had different ancestors, their DNA is still different.
For example: Platypus and Duck. They have similar characteristics but they evolved from completely different ancestors and have therefore no similar DNA.
In a Convergent Evolution, two completely different species get to live in the same environment and therefore evolve similar characteristics. Since they had different ancestors, their DNA is still different.
For example: Platypus and Duck. They have similar characteristics but they evolved from completely different ancestors and have therefore no similar DNA.
PROBLEM WIT THIS THEORY
There is no real fossil evidence that proves that Species evolved like that gradually over time. Eldridge and Gould proposed the reason for that:
They believe, that other than Darwin's theory that Species evolve over time (gradualism), that species stay the same for a long period of time and only rapid, short changes occur. This belief is called 'Punctuated Equilibrium'.
Punctuated Equilibrium:
There is no real fossil evidence that proves that Species evolved like that gradually over time. Eldridge and Gould proposed the reason for that:
They believe, that other than Darwin's theory that Species evolve over time (gradualism), that species stay the same for a long period of time and only rapid, short changes occur. This belief is called 'Punctuated Equilibrium'.
Punctuated Equilibrium: