Convergent evolution

Pronunciation
/kuh n-VUR-juhnt ih-VOH-loo-shuhn/
Category
Evolution

Definition

The independent evolution of similar traits in different species due to adapting to similar environments or ecological niches.

Etymology

From Latin 'convergens', meaning 'converging', and 'evolutio', meaning 'evolution'.

Example

The wings of birds and bats are an example of convergent evolution, as they both evolved to be similar shapes for flight despite having different evolutionary origins.

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