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What is the difference between divergent evolution and convergent evolution?

Divergent evolution makes related species differ as they adapt to new niches (homologous organs, Darwin's finches); convergent evolution makes unrelated species resemble one another for the same function (analogous organs, insect and bird wings).

Divergent evolution makes related species differ as they adapt to new niches (homologous organs, Darwin's finches); convergent evolution makes unrelated species resemble one another for the same function (analogous organs, insect and bird wings). A reliable way to keep them apart is to focus on what each one is defined by, not just the similar-sounding words.

Key point

divergent evolution vs convergent evolution

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