Divergent Species

Definition

Divergent species are those that have evolved from a common ancestor but have developed distinct characteristics due to different environmental pressures or genetic variations.

Related terms

Speciation:

This is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species. It's like our siblings deciding on their career paths.

Adaptive Radiation:

This is when numerous species evolve from a single ancestor, each adapted to exploit different ecological niches. Imagine if our siblings had multiple kids, all pursuing different careers based on their individual talents and interests.

Phylogenetic Tree:

A diagram that depicts the lines of evolutionary descent of different species, organisms, or genes from a common ancestor. It's like a family tree showing how everyone is related.