In an evolving community consisting of many individuals, it is often the case that the individuals tend, over time, to become more specialized in performing the tasks necessary for survival and growth of the community as a whole. The contribution in this work is a collection of linear and nonlinear mathematical models that provide insights as to when and why functional specialization emerges in general, rather than specific, settings. The results from these models, which are based on an evolutionary approach, apply to communities in which individuals allocate their time in the best interest of the community as a whole.