Divergent evolution is a process that occurs when closely related populations within a species accumulate differences, sometimes leading to speciation. This process is typically exhibited when two populations become separated by a geographic barrier, such as in allopatric or peripatric speciation, and experience different selective pressures that drive adaptations to their new environment. After many generations and continual evolution, the populations become less able to interbreed with one another. Divergent evolution is one of the three types of evolutionary patterns, the other two being convergent and parallel.
Some key features of divergent evolution include:
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Common Ancestry: Divergent evolution occurs when a subgroup of a species evolves traits different from its ancestors.
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Selective Pressures: Various environmental and social pressures can cause divergent evolution, such as predation, food supplies, and competition for mates.
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Speciation: Divergent evolution can lead to the formation of new species.
Classic examples of divergence in nature are the adaptive radiation of the finches of the Galapagos or the coloration differences in populations of a species that live in different habitats such as with pocket mice and fence lizards.
It is important to note that divergent evolution is different from convergent evolution, which occurs when two unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
