Divergent evolution: definition and examples

Divergent evolution is the process by which related populations with each other and of the same species are isolated so much that They end up being very different Among them. It can occur in a population, or only in a fragment of it. It is important to emphasize that divergent evolution must always be a common species from which others start.

This evolution is perceived in the modification of the structures or organs that serve to adapt specifically to their environment, occurring through processes such as:

• The mutation: Where DNA is modified. If you want to know more about genetic mutations: examples and definition do not hesitate to consult the following post.
• Natural selection: Where certain species have greater survival than others. We tell you what natural selection is and examples, here.

The result of these changes between species derives in which The species cease to be compatible and cannot reproduce among them, creating two or more new species. This is known as speciation.

This is the most frequent type of evolution in nature, and it follows the known principle that from a common ancestor new species are generated. This evolution is extremely important Because it allows different niches to be covered, increasing the efficiency of ecosystems.

Divergent evolution is a process that can be detonated by different circumstances, but they all classify as pressures that force them to differentiate them. Some of these pressures are:

• Changes in the environment: When two communities submit to two slightly different environments, such as when they are separated by a change in the course of a river, the lifting of a mountain or even the construction of a road, which can cause these species to differentiate themselves to adapt to the particular conditions of the environment.
• Differences in ecological dynamics: The change in the food chain and in predatory and dam relationships can cause a diverge species.
• Differences In behavior: If two species are isolated by changing behavior, for example in their time of more activity, they can be differentiated to form two very dissimilar species.
• Migration: When communities migrate to other sites, organisms can be modified by the differences between the environments to which they reach.
• Adaptation: In short, we can say that this is the general cause that causes evolution. All organisms seek to adapt and survive in the environment within which they develop.

Now that you know what is divergent evolution and what are its causes, we will see some examples of this type of evolution. We can highlight the following.

Polar bear and brown bear

Within the examples of divergent evolution in animals we have the bears. During the Pleistocene there were many massive glaciations, before which a group of Ursus arctosknown as brown bear, He separated by environmental pressures.

This resulted in the polar bear Ursus maritimus. We can see the clear differences between these two related species: the polar bear is a carnivorous animal while the brown is omnivorous, its size and color are differentand the polar bear body is adapted to ice with non -slip legs.

Is the polar bear in danger of extinction? Discover the answer in the following Ecology Verde.

Apes

The apes have the ancestor in common of quadruped mammals, with four limbs destined to walk. But the apes diverged in limbs with manipulative capacity. In turn, these apes differentiated them again until they reached us, which with our Manual skill and brain capacity We have been able to create a level of development never seen before.

As we can see, mammals, apes and humans are very different among them, but at the same time they are related. This is how divergent evolution works. You may be interested in taking a look at the following article on hominids: what are, characteristics and evolution.

Col, mustard and broccoli

In the examples of divergent evolution in plants we have the Brassics. These plants are of great importance for agriculture, belonging to them the broccoli, cauliflor, kale, mustard and the col. Surely you already know them and you know that they are all very different, and the reality is that they belong to the same species Brassica.

Some may be white, others with floral heads and some with the capacity to grow as shrubs. These are differences that diverged from a common species As a result of external pressures. Thanks to this evolutionary divergence we have a wide variety of vegetables with high nutritional value.

Divergent and convergent evolution are opposite, so we will review the differences between them.

Convergent evolution generates similar organisms of different origins for environmental pressures. On the contrary, divergent evolution generates different organisms from very related animals between them. In addition, convergent evolution takes different evolutionary routes and the divergent originates from following equal evolutionary directions.

To know more about the topic you can find more information in the following article about convergent evolution: examples and definition.

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