[A]: Varied groups of plants and animals ei- ther related or unrelated provide an example of divergent evolution.
[R]: The changes occur in a cumulative direc- tion and result in the origin of new popula- tions from the old ones

Options

A. If both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. If both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. If A is true and R is false
D. If both A and R are false

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Divergent Evolution**:
- Divergent evolution occurs when two or more species that share a common ancestor evolve different traits or characteristics over time. This can happen due to adaptation to different environments or ecological niches.

2. **Example of Divergent Evolution**:
- A classic example of divergent evolution is the evolution of mammals from a common ancestor. For instance, the common ancestor of whales and land mammals diverged into different species. Whales adapted to aquatic life, while other mammals adapted to terrestrial environments.

3. **Cumulative Changes**:
- The statement mentions that changes occur in a cumulative direction. This means that over generations, small adaptations accumulate, leading to significant differences between the original population and the new populations that arise.

4. **Adaptation Process**:
- Taking the example of an insect that originally feeds on flowers, if the flower population declines, the insect must adapt to survive. It may start feeding on fruits or other available food sources. Over time, these adaptations lead to a new species that is quite different from its ancestor.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The process of divergent evolution illustrates how species can evolve from a common ancestor into various forms, some of which may be closely related while others may become quite distinct. This is due to the cumulative nature of evolutionary changes driven by environmental pressures and adaptation.