Divergence

Divergence, divergence of characteristics, a factor playing a main role in the evolutionary process. If among a homogeneous mass of organisms two groups arise, differing from each other in some characteristics, and these groups have a tendency to isolate themselves from one another, then in this case there is the beginning of divergence of characteristics, leading ultimately to the formation from one form of two. Divergence of characteristics in varieties leads to their divergence and transformation into species. In this case, one speaks of divergence of species and other systematic groups. Through divergence all the diversity of animal and plant forms arose. The paths of divergence may be different, but a very large role in this process belongs to isolation, preventing the mixing of diverging forms. Darwin in his theory of the origin of species put forward the principle of divergence of characteristics and the extinction of intermediate forms due to the lesser competition of the most distinct (most diverged) forms in the struggle for existence. As an antagonist to divergence, the principle of convergence is put forward, i.e., the convergence of characteristics. Divergence, ocular, see Convergence.