Divergence (biology)
In evolutionary biology, divergence describes the development of characteristics between different species or between different populations of the same species. The characteristics can be the expression of organs , organ systems , body structures, physiological processes or behavior . The longer the populations or the species are separated, the greater the differences (the degree of divergence).
Divergence can be triggered by strong competition . As a result, populations split up or competing species move into different ecological niches . The adaptation to the new living space leads to the development of changed characteristics. In the case of separate populations, increasing divergence leads to the splitting of the species into sister species and thus to the formation of new species that can be the starting point for new evolutionary branches ( cladogenesis ).
Despite the divergent developments, characteristics remain comparable due to the common descent. This fundamental agreement is called homology . One example is the bone structure in mammals. The metacarpal bones of a horse are bent upwards, the horse runs on the middle three fingers, the little finger and thumb have receded. Nevertheless, the basic structure of the mammalian bone structure (upper arm, forearm, wrist, metacarpal bones, fingers) can also be understood in horses.
The opposite of divergence, i.e. the increasing convergence of characteristics in different species, is called convergence .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Divergence www.spektrum.de