
Convergent Evolution Across Biomes
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Why would animals on opposite sides of the planet end up with nearly identical skeletons?
Pick a biome, from desert to ocean to tundra. Then choose two continents where that biome exists and find one species on each continent that fills a similar role. Compare their physical traits: limb structure, teeth or beak shape, claw size, skin features, and even internal features like bone structure or stomach design.
Determine whether these shared traits match the demands of the biome. You will be investigating convergent evolution (when unrelated species develop similar features because they face the same environmental pressures).
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that bears and seals have adapted to similar environments by developing similar physical characteristics.
Method & Materials
You will identify a biome, research the characteristics of the biome, research the species that inhabit the biome, and select two different species from two different continents that may share similar physical characteristics.
You will need internet access.
Results
The results of this project show that bears and seals have adapted to similar environments by developing similar physical characteristics. The most striking observation was the similarity in the bone structure of the paws of the bear and the flippers of the seal.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it shows how two different species can develop similar physical characteristics in order to adapt to similar environmental conditions.
Also Consider
Variations: Consider other biomes such as savannah, prairies and grassland, forest and woodland, tropical rainforest, mountains, fresh water, ocean, and tundra.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related videos
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
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