Definitions for "Convergent Evolution"
Related Terms:
Divergent evolution, Adaptive radiation, Speciation, Parallel evolution, Anagenesis, Macroevolution, Coevolution, Speciation, Breed, Phylogeny, Reproductive isolation, Line-breeding, Cladogenesis, Strain, Mosaic evolution, Exaptation, Throwback, Line breeding, Phylogenetic, Species, Atavism, Form, Variety, Ecotype, Cladistics, Strain, Morph, Linebreeding, Phenetics, Artificial selection, Analogy, Clade, Homoplasy, Allopatric speciation, Crossbreed, Subspecies, Sympatric speciation, Crossbreeding, Outcrossing, Inbreeding, Character displacement, Crossbred, Purebred, Biotype, Phyletic gradualism, Pedigree, Natural selection, Sibling species, Vestigial, Evolution
The development of similar structures in organisms that do not share a common recent ancestor (e.g. eyes of squid and humans).
The independent evolution of similar genotypes or phenotypes to yield similar character states.
Evolution of two or more different lineages towards similar morphology due to similar adaptive pressures. Examples of convergence are: fins or fin- like structures in fish, cuttlefish and whales; extreme similarity in alarm calls by five small birds; endothermy in dogs and ducks, wings of butterflies and birds.
An increase in similarity between species in response to the same selection pressure brought about by the problems of living in a particular niche.
Theory that holds that organisms in widely separated biogeographic realms, although descended from diverse ancestors, develop similar adaptations to measurably similar habitats.
When individuals of different species, families, and even phyla have similar traits because of similar environmental conditions-not because they are genetically related. The morphological similarities between fish and Cetaceans are examples of convergent evolution.
The evolution of similar looking or similar functioning structures in unrelated animals
The evolutions of two different groups of organisms so that they come to closely resemble one another. Also known as convergence.
the evolution of similar structures among unrelated organisms resulting from similar pressures from the environment.
kon-ver-gent ev-o-LU-shun Organisms that have similar adaptations to a similar environmental challenge but that are not related by descent. 379
Organisms which are not closely related, coming to resemble each other via natural selection due to niche or habitat similarities. Sphinx moths of the genus Hemaris and bumblebees of the genus Bombus are examples. The convergence in this case has been enhanced by selective pressure for mimicry. Other examples are the raptorial forelegs found in Preying mantids, Mantispid-flies, Mantis shrimp, and Ambush bugs. Frequently the concept of convergent evolution is used to describe a particular structure rather than the whole organism.
process by which unrelated species become more similar in order to survive in similar environmental conditions
(Paleoanthropology) Where an analogous trait exists in two taxon because of an adaptation to a similar problem.
The evolution of species from different taxonomic groups toward a similar form; the development of similar characteristics by taxonomically different organisms.
refers to the occurrence of similar characteristics evolved separately in unrelated groups.
The development of similar structures in distantly related organisms as a result of adapting to similar environments and/or strategies of life. Example: wings of birds and insects, the body shape of dolphins, sharks, and the extinct marine reptiles known as ichthyosaurs.
The process by which organisms of different evolutionary lineages come to have similar form or behavior.
The independent development of similarity between species as a result of their having similar ecological roles and selection pressures.
The tendancy of organisms to develop superficially similar structures, usually to solve the problems of living in the same sort of environment. For example, birds and bats both have wings, but do not have the same skeletal structure to their wings because of their different ancestors.
Convergent evolution is when a trait develops independently in two or more groups of organisms. For example, the wings of Pterodactyls, birds, and bats.
Evolution that occurs when nature shapes two separate evolutionary lines in analogous ways, so they appear more similar than would be expected from their evolutionary relationship.
In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution is the process whereby organisms not closely related, independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. On a molecular level, this can happen due to random mutation unrelated to adaptive changes; see long branch attraction.