Question

Give six points of difference between convergent evolution and divergent evolution

Answer 1

Convergent evolution:-

1. Development of similar adaptive functional structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called convergent evolution.


2. Analogous organs show convergent evolution.

3. Convergent evolution happens in organisms that are not closely related.

4. It occurs through developing homologous structures.

5. In convergent evolution both species live within the same environment.

6. Examples are:- Australian Marsupials and Placental mammals, various aquatic vertebrate and wings of insect, bird and bat.


Divergent evolution:-

1. Development of different functional structures from a common ancestral form is called divergent evolution.

2. Homologous organs show divergent evolution.

3. Divergent evolution is observed in organisms that are closely related.

4. It occurs through developing analogous structures.

5. In divergent evolution the two species live in different environments than their ancestors.

6. Examples are:- Darwin’s Finches, Australian Marsupials, locomotion in mammals.