What term describes when selection pressures cause two related species to become increasingly different from each other?

Divergent evolution is the term that describes the process where related species become increasingly different from each other due to selection pressures in their respective environments. This differentiation often occurs when species adapt to different ecological niches or face distinct environmental challenges, leading to the accumulation of adaptations that reflect their unique circumstances. As a result, the species diverge in physical traits, behaviors, and other characteristics, emphasizing how evolution can shape biological diversity through environmental interactions.

In contrast, convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, and speciation refers to the process by which new species arise. Adaptive radiation describes the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor, often following the colonization of new environments. While all these concepts relate to evolution and biodiversity, divergent evolution specifically focuses on the increasing differences between related species due to distinct selection pressures.