CameraIcon
CameraIcon
SearchIcon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

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

Open in App
Solution

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.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
1
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Evidences of Evolution
BIOLOGY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon