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===Examples of Divergence===

===Examples of Divergence===

There are many examples<ref>http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/5491/516</ref> <ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11308083&dopt=Abstract</ref> of divergent evolution in nature. If a freely-interbreeding population on an island is separated by a barrier, such as the presence of a new river, then over time, the organisms may start to diverge. If the opposite ends of the island have different pressures acting upon it, this may result in divergent evolution. Or, if a certain group of birds in a population of other bird of the same species varies from their migratory track due to abnormal wind fluctuations, they may end up in new environment. If the food source is such that only birds of the population with a variant beak are able to feed, then this trait will evolve by virtue of its selective survival advantage. The same species in the original geographical location and having the original food source do not require this beak trait and will, therefore, evolve differently.

There are many examples<ref>http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/5491/516</ref> <ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11308083&dopt=Abstract</ref> of divergence in nature. If a freely-interbreeding population on an island is separated by a barrier, such as the presence of a new river, then over time, the organisms may start to diverge. If the opposite ends of the island have different pressures acting upon it, this may result in divergence. Or, if a certain group of birds in a population of other bird of the same species varies from their migratory track due to abnormal wind fluctuations, they may end up in a new environment. If the food source is such that only birds of the population with a variant beak are able to feed, then this trait will become more common by virtue of its selective survival advantage. The same species in the original geographical location and having the original food source do not require this beak trait and will, therefore, not change in the same way.

Divergent evolution has also occurred in the red fox and the kit fox. While the kit fox lives in the desert where its coat helps disguise it from its predators, the red fox lives in forests, where the red coat blends into its surroundings. In the desert, the heat makes it difficult for animals to eliminate body heat. The ears of the kit fox have evolved to have greater surface area so that it can more efficiently remove excess body heat. Their different evolutionary fates are determined primarily on the different environmental conditions and adaptation requirements, not on genetic differences. If they were in the same environment, it is likely that they would evolve similarly. Divergent evolution is confirmed by DNA analysis where the species that diverged can be shown to be genetically similar.

Divergence appears to have also occurred in the red fox and the kit fox. While the kit fox lives in the desert where its coat helps disguise it from its predators, the red fox lives in forests, where the red coat blends into its surroundings. In the desert, the heat makes it difficult for animals to eliminate body heat. The ears of the kit fox have a greater surface area so that it can more efficiently remove excess body heat. Their different adaptations are determined primarily by the different environmental conditions and adaptation requirements, not on genetic differences.<!-- I don't understand this.--> If they were in the same environment, it is likely that they would evolve similarly. Divergence is supported by DNA analysis where the species that diverged can be shown to be genetically similar.

The human foot evolved to be very different from a monkey's foot, despite their common primate ancestry. It is speculated that a new species (humans) developed because there was no longer was a need for swinging from trees. Upright walking on the ground required alterations in the foot for better speed and balance. These differing traits soon became characteristics that evolved to permit movement on the ground. Although humans and monkeys are genetically similar, their natural habitat required different physical traits to evolve for survival.

Evolutionists claim that the human foot evolved to be very different from a monkey's foot, despite their common primate ancestry. It is speculated that a new species (humans) developed because there was no longer was a need for swinging from trees. Upright walking on the ground required alterations in the foot for better speed and balance. These differing traits soon became characteristics that evolved to permit movement on the ground. Although humans and monkeys are genetically similar, their natural habitat required different physical traits to evolve for survival.

 

Creationists respond that although environmental pressures can cause creatures to adapt, they can only do so within their genetic limits.

==Convergent Evolution==  

==Convergent Evolution==