Divergent evolution is a pattern of macroevolution. In divergent evolution, a single species interbreeds, either through natural means or artificially chosen traits and selective breeding, and then that species begins to branch off and become a different species which is adapted to a particular way of life, or to a different habitat. The new species live in different ways than their  common ancestor did. Over time as the the new species continues to evolve, they become less and less similar. In other words, they have diverged. 

Due to Divergent Evolution Many new species diversify from a common ancestor leading to The branching out of a population through variation. 

Divergent evolution is a type of macroevolution that creates more diversity in species in the biosphere. 

This can also be called adaptive radiation, however there are some small/minor differences between the two.  This pattern is the typical example of speciation. One lineage breaks into two or more separate lines that each give rise to even more species over time. 

Divergent evolution can be caused by changes in the environment or migration to new areas. 

Divergent evolution was seen in a type of fish called the charicidae. The jaws and teeth of the fish changed based on available food sources as they inhabited new environments. Many lines of charicidae emerged over time giving rise to several new species of fish in the process. There are about 1500 known species of charicidae in existence today, including piranhas and tetras.

One way species change over time is called convergent evolution. Convergent evolution is when two species, that are not related via a recent common ancestor, become more similar. These Unrelated organisms independently evolve similarities when adapting to similar environments, or ecological niches. 

Most of the time, the reason behind convergent evolution occurring is the build-up of adaptations over time to fill a certain niche. When the same or similar niches are available in different geographical locations, different species will most likely fill that niche. As time passes, the adaptations that make the species successful in that niche in that particular environment add up producing similar favorable traits in very different species.

Characteristics

Species that are linked through convergent evolution oftentimes look very similar. However, they are not closely related on the tree of life. It just so happens that their roles in their respective environments are very similar and require the same adaptations in order to be successful and reproduce. Over time, only those individuals with favorable adaptations for that niche and environment will survive while the others die off. This newly formed species is well suited to its role and can continue to reproduce and create future generations of offspring.

Most cases of convergent evolution occur in very different geographic areas on the Earth. However, the overall climate and environment in those areas are very similar, making it a necessity to have different species that can fill the same niche. That leads those different species to acquire adaptations that create a similar appearance and behavior as the other species. In other words, the two different species have converged, or become more similar, in order to fill those niches.

Examples

One example of convergent evolution is the Australian sugar glider and the North American flying squirrel. Both look very similar with their small rodent-like body structure and thin membrane that connects their forelimbs to their hind limbs that they use to glide through the air. Even though these species look very similar and are sometimes mistaken for each other, they are not closely related on the evolutionary tree of life. Their adaptations evolved because they were necessary for them to survive in their individual, yet very similar, environments.

Another example of convergent evolution is the overall body structure of the shark and the dolphin. A shark is a fish and a dolphin is a mammal. However, their body shape and how they move through the ocean is very similar. This is an example of convergent evolution because they are not related very closely via a recent common ancestor, but they live in similar environments and needed to adapt in similar ways in order to survive in those environments. This could be described as similar Analogous structures are a result of this process. 

• The wings of insects, birds, pterosaurs, and bats is another example, serving the same function and are similar in structure, but each evolved independently

The word converge means "to come together". This pattern of macroevolution happens with distinctly different species become more similar in structure and function. Usually, this type of macroevolution is seen in different species that live in similar environments. The species are still different from one another, but they often fill the same niche in their local area.

One example of convergent evolution is seen in North American hummingbirds and Asian fork-tailed sunbirds. Even though the animals look very similar, if not identical, they are separate species that come from different lineages. They evolved over time to become more alike by living in similar environments and performing the same functions.

Similarities Between Parallel and Convergent Evolution

• Parallel and convergent evolution are two types of evolutionary patterns.

• Both parallel and convergent evolution occur independently in distinct species.

• Both parallel and convergent evolution occur under the influence of same environmental pressures.

• Both parallel and convergent evolution do not lead to speciation.

Difference Between Parallel and Convergent Evolution

Definition

Parallel Evolution: Parallel evolution refers to the independent evolution of similar traits in different but equivalent habitats.

Convergent Evolution: Convergent evolution refers to the independent evolution of analogous structures in unrelated species.

Type of Habitat

Parallel Evolution: Parallel evolution occurs in different but equivalent habitats.

Convergent Evolution: Convergent evolution occurs within a particular habitat.

Significance

Parallel Evolution: The two distinct species evolve independently, maintaining the same level of similarity in parallel evolution.

Convergent Evolution: The two distinct species evolve analogous traits in convergent evolution.

Types of Species

Parallel Evolution: Parallel evolution occurs in unrelated or distantly-related species.

Convergent Evolution: Convergent evolution occurs in unrelated species.

Examples

Parallel Evolution: The evolution of old world monkeys and new world monkeys is an example of parallel evolution.

Convergent Evolution: The development of the wings for birds, insects and bats is an example of convergent evolution. 

Conclusion

Parallel and convergent evolution are two types of evolutionary patterns seen in distinct species. Parallel evolution gives rise to similar evolutionary patterns in distinct species whereas convergent evolution gives rise to analogous structures in distinct species. Both parallel and convergent evolution occur due to similar environmental influences. The main difference between parallel and convergent evolution is the mechanism of each type of evolutionary pattern.

All living things are affected by the other living organisms around them that share their environment. Many have close, symbiotic relationships. The species in these relationships tend to cause each other to evolve. If one of the species changes, then the other will also change in response so the relationship can continue.

For instance, bees feed off of flowers of plants. The plants adapted and evolved by having the bees spread the pollen to other plants. This allowed the bees to get the nutrition they needed and the plants to spread their genetics and reproduce.

Co Evolution can be described as:

 "The mutual evolutionary influence between two species" 

                                                     or

"When two species evolve in response to changes in each other."

Each party exerts selective pressures on the other, thereby affecting each others' evolution.  

• Examples of closely connections via ecological interactions (have a symbiotic relationship) include:

  • Predator/prey

  • Parasite/host 

  • Plant/pollinator