How did the red fox and the fennec fox end up looking so different if they share a common ancestor? When part of a population becomes isolated in a new environment, it may develop new traits to survive. This process is called evolutionary divergence (when one species splits into two or more distinct species).
You research two fox species and compare their habitats and diets. You also look at their predators and climates. Then you connect the physical differences to each environment. For example, the fennec fox has light fur that blends into desert sand.
You present your findings on a poster display that shows how environment shapes species over time.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that two species of foxes have adapted to their environment in different ways.
When a population becomes isolated in a new environment, the traits that fit those surroundings help it survive and have more young — gradually producing a distinct species. The red fox and the fennec fox share a common ancestor, yet each adapted to a very different environment. The fennec fox, for example, has light fur that blends into desert sand. Researching both species — their habitats, diets, predators, and climates — shows how environment shapes species over time.
Evolutionary divergence happens when one animal group slowly splits into two types that look and act very different. The red fox and the fennec fox share a common ancestor, yet each developed distinct traits to match its environment. For example, the fennec fox has light fur that blends into desert sand, a physical difference shaped by isolation in a new habitat.
Method & Materials
You will be creating a display for your science fair project. You will research the habits of two species of foxes, and infer how the differences between them could serve as adaptations to the environment. You will also create the elements for your science project display.
You will need internet access, poster board, glue stick, paste, or tape, paper, markers, printer, and scissors.
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Through this project, you will learn how two species of foxes have adapted to their environment in different ways. Your observation may be that the physical and behavioral characteristics of the two species of foxes are suited to their respective habitats.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting and unique because it explores the concept of evolutionary divergence and how it affects the physical and behavioral characteristics of two species of foxes.
Also Consider
Variations of this project could include researching other species of animals and exploring how they have adapted to their environment in different ways. Another variation could be to research the differences between two species of plants and how they have adapted to their environment.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.
