Question

What type of evolution occurs when species split off from a common ancestor?

Answer 1

Speciation, when populations evolve to become distinct species

Answer 2

Differences in species occur when there is temporal, geographical, behavioral, and or mechanical isolation. Over time the groups diverge from each other and become so different that they can no longer reproduce with each other. This is called divergence. The process of creating the two new species is called speciation.