1

Divergent evolution 
-is the process whereby
groups from the same
common
ancestor evolve and
2

accumulate differences,
resulting in the formation
of new species. 
Divergent evolution 
3

-may occur as a response

to changes in abiotic
factors, such as a change in
environmental conditions,
4

or when a new niche

becomes available.
One of the most
famous examples of diverg
5

ent evolution is the case of

Darwin's Finches.
During Darwin's travels to
the Galápagos Islands he
discovered several
6

different species of finch

that shared a common
ancestor. They lived on
varying diets and had
beaks that differed in shape
7

and size reflecting their

diet.
8

Divergent evolution 
-refers to the process by which
interbreeding species diverged into two
or more evolutionary groups. It means
that these groups of species used to be
similar and related. However, they
became more and more dissimilar
9

through time. Divergent evolution may

also pertain to the process of tracing
back two or more species to their
common ancestor and knowing how
these species have diversified or
diverged. Divergent evolution is one of
the three types of evolutionary patterns;
the other two are convergent and
10

parallel. The evolution of species is

largely influenced by environmental
factors and predation activities.
Galapagos finches diverging from their
descendant species is one of the most
commonly cited examples of divergent
evolution.
11
12
13
14

Darwin's finches are a group of about 15

species of passerine birds. They are well
known for their remarkable diversity in
beak form and function. They are often
classified as the subfamily Geospizinae
or tribe Geospizini. They belong to the
tanager family and are not closely
related to the true finches:
15

Family: Thraupidae
Order: Passeriformes
Class: Aves
Kingdom: Animalia
16
17