Patterns+of+Evolution

Occurs when a group from a certain population develops into a new kind of species. Example: The comparison of how a human foot evolved to be very different from a monkey's foot, despite their common primate ancestry.
 * Divergent evolution

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Represents a phenomenon when two certain type of distinct species with differing ancestries evolve to display similar physical features. Example: A Castorocauda and beaver both have webbed feet and a flattened tail, but are not related.
 * Convergent evolution**

Is the occurrence of a similar trait in different and not closely related species, but descending from the same ancestor. Example: In butterflies many close similarities are found in the patterns of wing coloration, both within and between families.
 * Parallel evolution**

The mutual evolutionary influence between two different species interacting with each other and reciprocally influencing each other’s adaptations. Example: Hummingbirds and ornithophilous flowers have evolved to form a mutualistic relationship.
 * Coevolution**

**Adaptive radiation** The emergence of numerous species from a common ancestor introduced into an environment that presents a diversity of new opportunities and challenges. Example: Darwin's finches - 14 species of small land birds of the Galapagos Islands. All the finches were derived from on species of ground-dwelling, seed-eating finch. This finch probably emigrated from the South American mainland. 

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