What type of evolution occurs when two or more species sharing a common ancestor become more different over time?

The correct response is divergent evolution, which occurs when two or more species that share a common ancestor gradually develop different traits and characteristics as they adapt to varied environmental pressures or ecological niches. This process leads to the diversification of species and is often driven by factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. As these species evolve, their differences may become significant enough that they can no longer interbreed, resulting in distinct species.

For instance, consider the evolution of mammals from a common ancestor. Over time, various groups adapted to their environments, resulting in the emergence of diverse forms such as whales, bats, and elephants, each tailored to their specific ecological roles. This highlights how divergent evolution fosters the rich biodiversity we see today.

In contrast, convergent evolution refers to the phenomenon where unrelated species develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environments, rather than sharing a common ancestor. Parallel evolution involves species that evolve similarly but separately, while co-evolution describes the reciprocal adaptations occurring in two or more species that interact closely, such as predators and their prey or pollinators and plants. Each of these processes has different implications for how species evolve over time.