Final answer:
Divergent evolution occurs when species with a common ancestor develop different traits due to different environmental pressures or adaptations to various ecological niches. It is exemplified by homologous structures like the varying forelimbs of bats, whales, dogs, and humans. In contrast, convergent evolution involves the development of analogous structures in unrelated species, such as the wings of birds and insects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process described as divergent evolution is b) The development of different traits in different species from a common ancestor. Divergent evolution occurs when two or more species sharing a common ancestor evolve in different directions, resulting in different traits. This process is driven by different environmental pressures or adaptations to various ecological niches. An example of divergent evolution is the variation of the forelimbs in mammals such as the wings of bats, the flippers of whales, the legs of dogs, and the arms of humans. These limbs, although different in function and form, evolved from the same ancestral structure and are considered homologous structures.
In contrast, convergent evolution refers to the process where organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches, like the wings of birds and insects for flying. These independently evolved traits are known as analogous structures because they serve similar functions but do not share a common evolutionary path. Convergent evolution, such as the swimming adaptations found in Arctic beluga whales and Antarctic right whales, shows how natural selection can result in similar adaptations for species that live in similar environments but do not share an immediate ancestor.
Divergent evolution is an important concept in the study of evolutionary biology and provides evidence for the adaptive radiation of species. It accounts for the biodiversity of life on Earth and supports the idea that species change and adapt over time in response to their environment.