divergence
divergence
1. The genetic segregation and differentiation within a taxon to the extent that distinct derivative taxa result. The divergence may be at the species, genus, family, order, or higher level. Thus it is possible to refer, for instance, to the divergence of gymnosperms and angiosperms from a stem group, to the divergence of angiosperm families, and to the divergence of a breeding population into two related species.
2. In meteorology, a situation in which, over a given time, more air flows out of a given area than flows in. Some subsiding motion can be expected to take place in the air over this region.
3. A horizontal flow of water in different directions away from a common centre or line. A particular example of divergence in the oceans is seen in areas of upwelling. Compare convergence.
1. The genetic segregation and differentiation within a taxon to the extent that distinct derivative taxa result. The divergence may be at the species, genus, family, order, or higher level. Thus it is possible to refer, for instance, to the divergence of gymnosperms and angiosperms from a stem group, to the divergence of angiosperm families, and to the divergence of a breeding population into two related species.
2. In meteorology, a situation in which, over a given time, more air flows out of a given area than flows in. Some subsiding motion can be expected to take place in the air over this region.
3. A horizontal flow of water in different directions away from a common centre or line. A particular example of divergence in the oceans is seen in areas of upwelling. Compare convergence.
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divergence