Convergent and Divergent Evolution

Comparison of Divergent and Convergent Evolution

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Divergent Evolution:

- When a species diverges over time into two different species,
 resulting in a
 species becoming less like the original one
- Live in different ways than the common ancestor
- Caused by migration or nearby extinction of a nearby environment
- Prime example are the dinosaurs

Both the wooly mammoth and the elephant originated from a common ancestor,
 but the
 common ancestor eventually diverged, and hence forth two new species were
 created in
 the process.

Convergent Evolution:

- When unrelated organisms evolve similarities when adapting
 to similar
 environments
- Live in the relatively same way as each other
- Emus, rheas, and ostriches are prime examples of convergent
 evolution

The importance of these types of evolution is generating variation,
 as well 
as species performing their niche in their environment. As every
 species has
 a role to play, these types of evolution ensure that these are carried out.