Question

Differentiate between divergent and convergent evolution. Given one example of each.

Answer 1

Convergent evolution	Divergent evolution
Development of similar adaptive functional structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called convergent evolution.	Development of different functional structures from a common ancestral form is called divergent evolution.
Example - Analogous organs like nature of the flight/wings of insects, birds, pterosaurs, and bats. All four serve the same function and are similar in structure, but each evolved independently.	Example - Darwin's finches. Darwin's finches are a group of about 15 different species of finches that live on the Galapagos Islands. Each separate species of finch adapted to a different diet, causing variation in their beak shape and/or size. All of them evolved from one species of finch that was a common ancestor.