Species adapt to their environment through evolution, which can be driven by predators, climate change, and other factors. There are three types of evolution: divergent, convergent, and parallel. Divergent evolution involves one species splitting into two, while convergent evolution explains how different species can develop similar traits in separate environments. Parallel evolution occurs when two similar species in the same environment develop the same adaptations for survival. Studying the effect of environmental factors on evolution can provide insight into a species’ history and future.
A species will develop based on the environment it exists in, and predators, climate change, and other environmental factors can create reasons for a species to adapt. These adaptations are part of the evolution of the species, allowing it to change in ways that increase its chances of survival. There are three types of evolution: divergent, convergent and parallel.
Divergent evolution is the most commonly known and involves one species eventually separating into two separate species. For example, a flock of migratory birds heading for a warmer climate is split up in a storm. Half of the flock continue to their original destination, while the other half land on a new island and decide to stay. Over time, members of the second group develop characteristics that allow them to better survive on the island and become a different species than their ancestors, who were initially separated from the larger flock. What was once one species has now been split in two.
The second type of evolution – and usually the most difficult to understand – is convergent evolution. This type explains how two or more species can develop similar traits in separate types of environments. Animals that develop wings are an example of convergent evolution because there was no common ancestor for all winged animals. Due to their individual environments, these animals evolved wings on their own, through generations of evolution. The wings were developed based on the physics of flight, not some preprogrammed internal design passed down from a similar ancestor.
Convergent and parallel evolution are very similar and are easily confused. When two separate species in the same environment develop the same adaptations for survival, we speak of parallel evolution. This starts with two similar species that exist in similar environments and, over time, will evolve in very similar ways. An example of parallel evolution is the North American cactus and African euphorbia. These two plants belong to different families, but share the same type of environment. Because of this, they have evolved the same adaptations for survival: the ability to store water in their thick stems and sharp quills to ward off predators. Both plants can survive in hot, dry climates.
Evolution is a process and species adapt and evolve to better survive in their environments. Similar environments can cause similar adaptations in different species, and different environments can cause different adaptations in similar species. Studying the effect of environmental factors on the evolution of a species is the best way to make educated guesses about both the history and future of a species. By considering all three types of evolution, it is possible to get a very good idea of how a species of plant or animal developed into its current form.
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