Divergent evolution

Divergent evolution is typically exhibited when two populations become separated by a geographic barrier (such as in allopatric or peripatric speciation) and experience different selective pressures that cause adaptations.

[2] Examples of divergence in nature are the adaptive radiation of the finches of the Galápagos, changes in mobbing behavior of the kittiwake, and the evolution of the modern-day dog from the wolf.

It differs from divergent evolution as the species involved do not descend from a closely related common ancestor and the traits accumulated are similar.

They have "enlarged hands and feet, full webbing between all fingers and toes, lateral skin flaps on the arms and legs, and reduced weight per snout-vent length".

[15] Comparing the anatomy of dogs and wolves supports this claim as they have similar body shape, skull size, and limb formation.

Ancestorial and other modern-day species of gulls exhibit a mobbing behavior in order to protect their young due the nesting at ground-level where they are susceptible to predators.

As a result, their young are protected from predatory reptiles, mammals, and birds who struggle with the climb and cliff-face weather conditions, and they do not exhibit this mobbing behavior.

[21] Cacti evolved to have areoles, succulent stems, and some have light leaves, with the ability to store water for up to months.