Types of Evolution

and Natural
Selection
 Mutations provide the raw
material upon which natural
selection works.
Types of Natural Selection:
● Stabilizing selection
● Directional selection
● Disruptive selection
● Sexual selection
 Stabilizing
selection
● Most common form of
natural selection
● Eliminates extreme versions
of a trait
● Example: All human babies
weigh about 7 pounds
 Directional
selection
● Increases the expression of
an extreme version of a trait
● Example: Peppered moth
 Disruptive
selection
● Process that splits a
population into two groups

● Remove individuals with

average traits and retain
individuals with extreme
traits at both ends of the
spectrum
 Sexual selection
● Change in frequency of a
trait is based on ability to
attract a mate

● Example: Guppies!

● Males and females look very

different

● Males intimidate other

males (horns, tusks, etc.)
 Patterns of Evolution
● Adaptive Radiation

● Coevolution

● Convergent evolution
Patterns of Evolution: Adaptive Radiation
ALSO CALLED DIVERGENT EVOLUTION

Can occur in a short period of time when one species gives rise to many other
species due to a new habitat/ecological opportunity
Patterns of Evolution: Coevolution
● Species evolve in close relationships with other species
● The evolution of one species affects the evolution of other species

Example: Mutualism - two species benefit each other

Another example - parasites constantly evolve new ways to take advantage of

their hosts, while the hosts evolve new defenses against parasites

● a coevolutionary arms race is the result

Coevolution Comet orchids and the moths that pollinate
them
Patterns of Evolution: Convergent Evolution
Unrelated species evolve similar traits even though they live in different parts of
the world

Occurs in environments that are geographically far apart but have similar
ecology and climate

Example:
Convergent
Evolution
 Gradualism
● Evolution proceeds in small,
gradual steps
● Favored by evidence
Punctuated Equilibrium
● Fossil record shows abrupt
transitions

● Rapid spurts of genetic change

cause species to diverge (become
different from one another)
quickly; these periods punctuate
(break up) much longer periods
when the species exhibit little
change.

● Example: