Illustration comparing divergent and convergent evolution with examples of a wolf as a common ancestor for foxes and dogs (divergent) and unrelated ancestors for birds, butterflies, and bats (convergent).

Comparison of divergent and convergent evolution, showing how similar traits can evolve from shared ancestry or independently across different species.

Evolution

Category: Animal Biology Date: November 8, 2024

What is Evolution?

Evolution is the gradual process by which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection. Evolution leads to the development of new traits and, eventually, new species as organisms adapt to their environments.

Natural Selection in Animal Populations

Natural selection is a key idea in zoology that explains how animal populations change over time. In natural selection, animals with traits that help them survive and reproduce are more likely to pass these traits to their offspring.

Over many generations, these helpful traits become more common in the population, making animals better suited to their environment. Zoologists study natural selection to see how things like food, weather, and predators affect animal traits. This process is one reason why animals today are so diverse, with different shapes, sizes, and behaviors suited to their environments.