AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The process in which two or more related species become more and more dissimilar is known as divergent evolution. The similarity persists due to the common origin of the organisms.-Abiotic factors, like a change in environmental conditions, or when a new niche becomes available.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -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-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.

Detailed explanation-5: -Another good example of divergent evolution is the origin of the domestic dog and the modern wolf. Dogs and wolves both diverged from a common ancestor.