MISSION 4 — Kangas, Gliders, and Snakes, Oh My!

When a single species diversifies and forms many different but closely related species, the process is called adaptive radiation. Galápagos finches are the result of adaptive radiation. Adaptive radiations occur as species adapt to slightly different environmental conditions. But what about the reverse, or when very distantly related species come to look similar because they live in similar environments? That is call convergent evolution and it’s the topic of this level.

Play "Kangas, gliders, and snakes, oh my!" and answer questions 13–16 after you've completed the level.

13. Click on the button below to complete a character matrix for all the species in this level. Place an "x" if the species has the trait and leave it blank if it does not. In the final column, use the species tabs to write the location of the species. Some have already been filled in for you.

14. Which of the species in this level represents the outgroup of the others? Explain your answer.

14. Representatives from the three major groups of mammals are included on the phylogenetic tree in this level. What are the three groups called, and which animal(s) on the tree belong to each group?

16. Click on the button below to answer question 16. Remember to refer to your completed tree and the species comparison tab if you are not sure of your answer.

Congratulations for completing Mission 4! Click here to begin Mission 5.