divergent evolution
noun
: the development of dissimilar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in closely related populations, species, or lineages of common ancestry that typically occupy dissimilar environments or ecological niches
The finches that Charles Darwin described in the Galapagos Islands are a classic example of divergent evolution. The beaks of different species evolved in response to specific evolutionary forces—different foods available on the various islands.—
Henry Fountain
Henry Fountaincalled also divergence
compare convergent evolution, parallel evolutionExamples of divergent evolution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The two films effectively follow paths of divergent evolution, using very different approaches to come up with very similar answers.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025
The classic example of divergent evolution is what is known as Darwin’s finches.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023
For the rest of us, one interesting and sometimes confusing aspect of evolution is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023
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Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025
The classic example of divergent evolution is what is known as Darwin’s finches.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023
For the rest of us, one interesting and sometimes confusing aspect of evolution is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Divergent evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergent%20evolution. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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