What is the mode of evolution when two or more species with a common ancestor become increasingly different?

Divergent evolution is the process by which two or more species that share a common ancestor become increasingly different over time. This phenomenon typically occurs as populations adapt to varying environments, leading to the development of distinct traits and adaptations. As these species evolve in response to different selective pressures, they may diverge in form, function, and behavior, resulting in significant differences despite their shared lineage.

This concept is illustrated by examples such as the different species of finches found on the Galápagos Islands. These finches evolved various beak shapes and sizes in response to the diverse types of available food resources in their respective environments. Such adaptations highlight the divergence from a common ancestral species.

In contrast, convergent evolution refers to the process where unrelated species develop similar traits as a result of adapting to similar environments or ecological niches, despite not sharing a common ancestor. Adaptive radiation describes the rapid evolution of multiple species from a common ancestor when exposed to a variety of ecological niches, often following a significant environmental change. Mutualism, on the other hand, is a type of symbiotic relationship where two different species benefit from each other, which is unrelated to the concept of evolutionary divergence.