explain the following terms
(i) Convergent Evolution
(ii) Divergent Evolution
(iii) Parallel Evolution
Answers
Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups. The cladistic term for the same phenomenon is homoplasy.
Divergent evolution or divergent selection is the accumulation of differences between closely related species populations, leading to speciation. Divergent evolution 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 adaptions to their new environment. After many generations and continual evolution, the populations become unable to interbreed with one another.
Parallel evolution refers to the evolutionary process wherein two or more species in the same environment develop similar adaptation or characteristics. ... Parallel evolution is similar to convergent evolution in a way that two unrelated species evolved similar traits.