Patterns of biological evolution

Divergent evolution is the evolutionary pattern in which (according to mainstream biological thought) two characters gradually become increasingly different. Divergent evolution occurs (it is theorized) when a character is subject to different selective pressures or sufficient genetic drift.

This existance of this mechanism has been demonstrated in a labratory setting.

One example of divergant evolution is where two groups develop into distinct species due to differences in the demands driven by the environmental circumstances.

Nearly half of Americans reject the common ancestry of life predicted by the theory of evolution (in which divergant evolution is thought to play a role), on Biblical grounds. Other Americans would be willing to believe the theory, if any proof were shown to them{fact}.

External links

• Patterns of Evolution