What are two examples of how a group of organisms could branch into two species?

Answer 1

Long ago, there was one generic type of bear. Now, because of divergent evolution, there is a brown bear and a polar bear, each adapted to their own environment.

Another example is the famous finch observations that Charles Darwin made. He has discovered that through geographical isolations, speciation has divided the finch into various species of finches.

Answer 2

Some people say the Galapagos finches are an exampled of natural selection because their beaks change in size about five percent a year depending on the season. Their beaks then change back to regular size later in the year. This was Darwin's main exampled when he came up with the theory of evolution. However, it has recently been discovered the change in beak size is simply an adaptation. The finches have different food available different times of the year so the change in the beak size is a very simple adaptation that plays no roll in the process of natural selection. There really are no examples because scientists have never found any proof in the fossil records of animals "evolving."

Answer 3

One way that a new species can be formed is through a genetic mutation. If an organism is born with a mutation, this mutation can either be detrimental or beneficial. If the mutation is detrimental, the organism will more than likely die, or at the very least be less likely to reproduce. If the genetic mutation is beneficial, however, this can increase the organisms chance of survival and reproduction (an example of a beneficial mutation would be one in which the organism becomes better fitted to survive in a certain habitat). When the mutated organism reproduces, their genetic mutation will more than likely be passed on to the next generation. Through time, this can give rise to an entirely new species.

Answer 4

Dogs, Whales and Penguins are all examples of this.

Answer 5

The formation of a new species.