AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gulick. Divergent evolution is commonly defined as what occurs when two groups of the same species evolve different traits within those groups in order to accommodate for differing environmental and social pressures.

Detailed explanation-2: -In divergent evolution, two or more distinct species share a common ancestor from which they diverged. A common example is a modern elephant and woolly mammoth. They share a common ancestor and yet evolved into two different species. Another example is the dog, the wolf, and the fox.

Detailed explanation-3: -Two species that are very closely related and have undergone divergent evolution are the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) and the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus).

Detailed explanation-4: -Divergent evolution or evolutionary branching occurs in response to selective pressure like changes in biotic factors (e.g., species interactions) and abiotic factors (environmental factors like climate, nutrient status, physical structure, and niche divergence) which drive natural selection.