Types of Evolution Worksheet: Description Convergen T Divergen T ... - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task is to classify each description in the worksheet into one of three types of evolution: Convergent, Divergent, or Coevolution. The definitions provided are as follows:

- Convergent Evolution: Ecological pressures cause a similarity in structure or function, but not from a common ancestor.
- Divergent Evolution: Evolution arising out of differences in organisms which had a common ancestor.
- Coevolution: Evolution in which one organism causes another to change since they live in close association.

Solution Approach:

We will analyze each description and determine which type of evolution it best fits based on the definitions provided.

---

1. Description:

In the ocean surrounding Antarctica, there are fish that survive the cold water by using a molecule made of glycoproteins that circulates the blood and keeps it from freezing. Certain kinds of worms that live in the Arctic ocean also make antifreeze proteins that help them live in icy water.

- Analysis: Both fish and worms have independently evolved similar adaptations (antifreeze proteins) to survive in cold environments. This is due to ecological pressures rather than a shared ancestry.
- Type: Convergent Evolution

---

2. Description:

Ants are the correct size and weight needed to open the flowers for the peony plant. The peony plant provides food for the ant, and the ant fertilizes the peony’s flowers.

- Analysis: The ants and peony plants have evolved together in a mutualistic relationship, where each benefits from the other. This is an example of coevolution.
- Type: Coevolution

---

3. Description:

Hummingbirds have a beak just the right length to reach the nectar in a cardinal flower, and as they feed their foreheads bump into the pollen structure. Cardinal flowers are red, which hummingbirds can see but bees can’t. Cardinal flower’s pollen structure is just the right length for the hummingbird to pick up pollen as it feeds.

- Analysis: The hummingbirds and cardinal flowers have evolved together, with the birds adapting to the flowers' structure and color, and the flowers adapting to attract hummingbirds. This is a classic example of coevolution.
- Type: Coevolution

---

4. Description:

The *Galloti atlantica* and *Galloti galloti* lizards evolved through natural selection from a common ancestor into a wide variety of different looking lizards.

- Analysis: These lizards share a common ancestor but have diversified into different forms through natural selection. This is an example of divergent evolution.
- Type: Divergent Evolution

---

5. Description:

Whales, sharks, and penguins all have streamlined bodies and fins/flippers for moving in water even though they belong in different classes of animals (mammals, fish, and birds).

- Analysis: These animals have independently evolved similar body shapes and features (streamlined bodies and fins/flippers) to adapt to aquatic environments. This is due to convergent evolution.
- Type: Convergent Evolution

---

6. Description:

The Galápagos tortoises share a common ancestor, but have necks of different lengths to best reach the food they need in their environment.

- Analysis: These tortoises share a common ancestor but have evolved different traits (neck lengths) to adapt to their specific environments. This is an example of divergent evolution.
- Type: Divergent Evolution

---

7. Description:

This kind of evolution is proven by DNA analysis and results in organisms with different ancestors becoming more alike as they adapt to similar environments.

- Analysis: The key phrase here is "organisms with different ancestors becoming more alike." This describes convergent evolution, where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
- Type: Convergent Evolution

---

8. Description:

Adaptive radiation is an example of this type of evolution.

- Analysis: Adaptive radiation refers to the diversification of species from a common ancestor into different forms adapted to various niches. This is a hallmark of divergent evolution.
- Type: Divergent Evolution

---

9. Description:

The Galápagos finches evolved through natural selection from a common ancestor into a wide variety of different looking species.

- Analysis: These finches share a common ancestor but have diversified into different species with distinct traits (e.g., beak shapes). This is a classic example of adaptive radiation, which falls under divergent evolution.
- Type: Divergent Evolution

---

10. Description:

Ostriches (birds) and giraffes (mammals) are both native to the

- Analysis: This description is incomplete, so we cannot definitively classify it. However, if we assume the context is about their similar adaptations (e.g., long legs for running or reaching high places), it could be convergent evolution. But without more details, we cannot be certain.
- Type: Incomplete Information

---

Final Answer:

Here is the completed table:

| Description | Convergent | Divergent | Coevolution |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|-----------|-------------|
| Fish and worms with antifreeze proteins | ✓ | | |
| Ants and peony plants | | | ✓ |
| Hummingbirds and cardinal flowers | | | ✓ |
| *Galloti atlantica* and *Galloti galloti* lizards | | ✓ | |
| Whales, sharks, and penguins | ✓ | | |
| Galápagos tortoises | | ✓ | |
| Organisms with different ancestors becoming more alike | ✓ | | |
| Adaptive radiation | | ✓ | |
| Galápagos finches | | ✓ | |
| Ostriches and giraffes (incomplete) | | | |

Final Answer Boxed:
\boxed{
\begin{array}{|l|c|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Description} & \text{Convergent} & \text{Divergent} & \text{Coevolution} \\
\hline
\text{Fish and worms with antifreeze proteins} & \checkmark & & \\
\hline
\text{Ants and peony plants} & & & \checkmark \\
\hline
\text{Hummingbirds and cardinal flowers} & & & \checkmark \\
\hline
\text{*Galloti atlantica* and *Galloti galloti* lizards} & & \checkmark & \\
\hline
\text{Whales, sharks, and penguins} & \checkmark & & \\
\hline
\text{Galápagos tortoises} & & \checkmark & \\
\hline
\text{Organisms with different ancestors becoming more alike} & \checkmark & & \\
\hline
\text{Adaptive radiation} & & \checkmark & \\
\hline
\text{Galápagos finches} & & \checkmark & \\
\hline
\text{Ostriches and giraffes (incomplete)} & & & \\
\hline
\end{array}
}