Which best describes divergent evolution?

Divergent evolution occurs when two or more species that share a common ancestor evolve different traits over time, typically as they adapt to varying environments or ecological niches. This process highlights how the same ancestral genetic makeup can lead to diverse outcomes based on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by different habitats.

Option C is accurate because it emphasizes the relationship between common ancestry and the development of dissimilar characteristics in descending species. This can be seen in various organisms, such as the evolution of different beak shapes in Darwin's finches, which arose from a common ancestor but adapted to the specific food sources available on their respective islands.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of evolution. The first choice refers to convergent evolution, where different species develop similar traits due to analogous environmental pressures. The second choice hints at the general concept of adaptation in evolution but does not specify the relationship to a common ancestor. The last choice describes stasis, a concept in evolutionary biology where species remain relatively unchanged over long periods, which does not relate to the active changes seen in divergent evolution.