What is the process called when two organisms evolve from a common ancestor as a result of different environments?

The process in which two organisms evolve from a common ancestor due to adaptations in response to differing environmental conditions is known as divergent evolution. This occurs when a species experiences various selective pressures that lead to the development of distinct traits and characteristics, ultimately resulting in the formation of new species.

Divergent evolution often occurs when populations of the same species become geographically isolated or occupy different ecological niches. Over time, genetic variations accumulate as each population adapts to its unique environment, leading to modifications in morphology, behavior, and physiology. This concept is effectively illustrated through examples such as the various finch species on the Galápagos Islands, which have adapted to different food sources and habitats yet share a common ancestor.

In contrast, convergent evolution describes how unrelated species develop similar traits due to comparable environmental pressures, while gradualism refers to the theory that species evolve through small, incremental changes over long periods. Adaptive radiation, while related to divergent evolution, specifically refers to the rapid evolution of multiple species from a common ancestor in response to the availability of different ecological niches, which may not always be the case with divergent evolution.