Question

What is divergent evolution? Give examples.

Answer 1

Hint: The process of divergent evolution produces homologous structures (similar structure but different functions due to common ancestry at some point of time).

Complete answer
The process in which two or more related species become more and more dissimilar is known as divergent evolution. The similarity persists due to the common origin of the organisms.
Divergent evolution might result as a response to changes in
- Abiotic factors, like a change in environmental conditions, or when a new niche becomes available.
- Biotic factors, such as increased or decreased pressure from competition or predation.

Additional Information
The organisms develop adaptive traits in order to survive and maintain their reproductive fitness due to selection pressure. These differences can be minor, such as the change in shape, size or function of only one structure, or they can be more pronounced and numerous, resulting in a completely different body structure or phenotype.
A well-explained example of divergent evolution is Darwin’s finches, which now have over 80 varieties which all diverged from one original species of finch.
Another example of divergent evolution is the organisms having 5 pentadactyl limbs like the humans, bats and whales. They all have evolved from a common ancestor.

Note:

Convergent Evolution	Divergent Evolution
Different ancestor	Common ancestor
Converge to produce analogous structure	Diverge to produce homologous structure
Species appearance becomes more similar over time	Species appearance becomes more different over time
Species are unrelated (genetically different)	Species are closely related (share genetic homology)
Example: Wings in insects, birds and bats	Example: Pentadactyl limb structure of vertebrates