Which pattern describes when two or more species sharing a common ancestor become more different over time?

Which pattern describes when two or more species sharing a common ancestor become more different over time?

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Natural selection
• C. Divergent evolution
• D. Adaptation

Answer: (C)

Divergent evolution describes how related species that share a common ancestor become more different over time as they adapt to different environments or ecological niches. Each lineage faces distinct selective pressures, so traits evolve in different directions, increasing differences between the species. A classic example is the variety of beak shapes among Darwin’s finches, shaped by different food sources, or the different forelimb forms in mammals that share the same basic bone structure but serve different functions. Convergent evolution, by contrast, happens when unrelated species evolve similar traits because they live in similar environments. Natural selection is the process that can drive divergence, while adaptation refers to the traits that arise because they help survival. So the described pattern is divergent evolution.

Divergent evolution describes how related species that share a common ancestor become more different over time as they adapt to different environments or ecological niches. Each lineage faces distinct selective pressures, so traits evolve in different directions, increasing differences between the species. A classic example is the variety of beak shapes among Darwin’s finches, shaped by different food sources, or the different forelimb forms in mammals that share the same basic bone structure but serve different functions. Convergent evolution, by contrast, happens when unrelated species evolve similar traits because they live in similar environments. Natural selection is the process that can drive divergence, while adaptation refers to the traits that arise because they help survival. So the described pattern is divergent evolution.