Differentiate between Convergent and divergent evolution . Answer in 3m Q
Answers
Convergent Evolution: Convergent evolution is a process by which distantly related species develop similar structures as adaptations to the environment.
Divergent Evolution: Divergent evolution is a process by which an interbreeding species diverges into two or more descendant species.
Environment
Convergent Evolution: Both species live within the same environment.
Divergent Evolution: The two species live in different environments than their ancestor.
Significance
Convergent Evolution: Unrelated organisms evolve similarities while adapting to a common environment.
Divergent Evolution: The divergence of two different species results in two species becoming less like the common ancestor.
Developing Structures
Convergent Evolution: Convergent evolution occurs through developing analogous structures.
Divergent Evolution: Divergent evolution occurs through developing homologous structures.
Examples
Convergent Evolution: Ostriches, rheas, and emus are examples of convergent evolution.
Divergent Evolution: Dinosaurs, Darwin’s finches, and forelimb structures of vertebrates are examples of divergent evolution.
Conclusion
Convergent evolution and divergent evolution are two types of processes that bring changes to organisms, allowing the organism to adapt to their environment. In convergent evolution, analogous structures are developed in distantly related species, which live in the same environment. In divergent evolution, two or more new species are given rise from a common ancestor through the development of homologous structures. This is the main difference between convergent and divergent evolution.