Question

Divergent evolution is...

common ancestor
A
O an evolutionary pathway in which unrelated species evolve in similar directions and become increasingly similar.
O an evolutionary pathway in which closely related species evolve in different directions and become increasingly different.
O a regressive pathway in which closely related species evolve in different directions and become increasingly similar.
a devolutionary pathway in which identical species evolve in similar directions and become identical.

Answer 1

Divergent evolution is an evolutionary pathway in which closely related species evolve in different directions and become increasingly different.

Step-by-step explanation:

Divergent evolution is an evolutionary pathway in which closely related species evolve in different directions and become increasingly different. This means that over time, species that share a common ancestor will develop distinct traits and characteristics due to different environmental pressures, adaptation, and genetic changes.

For example, Darwin's finches in the Galapagos Islands are descendants of a common ancestor. However, as they adapted to different food sources and habitats on different islands, their beak shapes and sizes evolved differently.

Unlike convergent evolution (where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures), divergent evolution leads to an increasing divergence between closely related species.

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