Which term refers to species becoming increasingly distinct from a common ancestor?

Which term refers to species becoming increasingly distinct from a common ancestor?

• A. Divergent Evolution
• B. Convergent Evolution
• C. Adaptive Radiation
• D. Natural Selection

Answer: (A)

Divergent evolution is the process by which related species become more distinct over time, often as they adapt to different environmental conditions or niches. This concept is best illustrated by how species can evolve from a common ancestor and gradually develop unique characteristics, leading to significant differences in morphology, behavior, and adaptations. For example, the Galápagos finches are a well-known case where different species have evolved from a common ancestor. As they spread to different islands with varied environments, they diverged in beak shape and size, allowing them to access various food sources. In contrast, convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, while adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor in response to new environments. Natural selection is the mechanism that drives these evolutionary changes, promoting favorable traits in a population over generations, but it does not specifically denote the process of species divergence itself. Thus, the term that accurately captures the idea of species becoming increasingly distinct from a common ancestor is divergent evolution.

Divergent evolution is the process by which related species become more distinct over time, often as they adapt to different environmental conditions or niches. This concept is best illustrated by how species can evolve from a common ancestor and gradually develop unique characteristics, leading to significant differences in morphology, behavior, and adaptations.

For example, the Galápagos finches are a well-known case where different species have evolved from a common ancestor. As they spread to different islands with varied environments, they diverged in beak shape and size, allowing them to access various food sources.

In contrast, convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, while adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor in response to new environments. Natural selection is the mechanism that drives these evolutionary changes, promoting favorable traits in a population over generations, but it does not specifically denote the process of species divergence itself. Thus, the term that accurately captures the idea of species becoming increasingly distinct from a common ancestor is divergent evolution.