Macroevolution Evolutionary patterns and processes that occur over long periods of time. n Six Topics Mass Extinction Adaptive Radiation Convergent Evolution Coevolution Changes in Developmental Genes
Mass Extinction Periods in Earth’s history where entire ecosystems collapsed. n Large groups of organisms went extinct due to density-independent problems. Example: K-T Extinction n n An asteroid hit the earth causing major tectonic activity – earthquakes, volcanoes. Massive climate change over a short period killed the dinosaurs.
Adaptive Radiation A single species of animal evolves into many different species that lives in different ways. n Mammals today evolved from a group of species that looked like shews.
Convergent Evolution Unrelated organisms in the same environment have body structures that look and act the same. n Examples Fins on dolphins, penguins and sharks Wings on birds, bats and insects
Coevolution Two or more species evolve in response to changes in each other over time. n n Butterflies and flowers Cows and plant poisons
Developmental Genes Animals share similar genes that are active early during embryonic development. n Hox genes Small changes in the Hox genes can lead to large developmental differences.