Divergent evolution
Divergent Evolution
Divergent evolution (pronunciation: /daɪˈvɜːrdʒənt ɪˈvoljʊʃən/) is a concept in biology that refers to the process by which groups from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, resulting in the formation of new species.
Etymology
The term "divergent evolution" is derived from the Latin words "divergere" meaning "to go in different directions," and "evolutio" meaning "unrolling." It was first used in the context of evolutionary biology to describe the process where a single species splits into two or more genetically independent ones.
Definition
Divergent evolution is a type of evolution where two or more distinct species share a common ancestor but have different evolutionary paths. This process often occurs when populations are separated by a physical barrier (such as a mountain range or body of water), leading to genetic drift and natural selection in different environments.
Related Terms
- Adaptive radiation: A process related to divergent evolution, where organisms diversify rapidly from an ancestral species into a multitude of new forms.
- Convergent evolution: The opposite of divergent evolution, where organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.
- Parallel evolution: A type of evolution where two related species evolve in similar ways for a long period of time in response to analogous environmental conditions.
- Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Divergent evolution
- Wikipedia's article - Divergent evolution
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