divergence

views updated

divergence 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.

More From encyclopedia.com