SESSION 4

Engage

Explore

Explain

Elaborate

Part A: 

Speciation without Geographic Isolation

Part B: 

The Galapagos Finch Study

Part C: 

Convergent Evolution

Part D: 

Coevolution

Evaluate

Resources

Facilitator Notes

SESSION 4: What Are the Processes for Evolution?

Elaborate Part C: Convergent Evolution

Evidence that natural selection is a powerful process is apparent when similar adaptations are found in unrelated species that occupy similar habitats. This phenomenon is called convergent evolution. A good example of this is the similarity between marsupial mammals of South America and Australia and placental mammals of the rest of the world that occupy similar niches.

For examples of convergent evolution, take a look at:

"Convergence: Marsupials and Placentals" (pdf)
	"Convergent Evolution"

Next: Elaborate Part D: Coevolution