convergent evolution
noun
: the independent development of similar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in unrelated or distantly related species or lineages that typically occupy similar environments or ecological niches
The remarkable resemblance of these moths to hummingbirds is a case of convergent evolution. Both are after the same thing: nectar deep within tubular flowers that lack "landing pads."—
Dan Gill
Dan GillIn some cases, a taxon is composed of the descendants of unrelated ancestors that evolved similar features by convergent evolution and for this reason have been mistaken as relatives.—Douglas J. Futuyma
Douglas J. Futuymacalled also convergence
compare analogy, divergent evolution, parallel evolutionExamples of convergent evolution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Perhaps the similarities were produced by convergent evolution.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024
When a common trait, such as prickles, appears independently across different lineages and species, that is known as convergent evolution, and occurs when species adapt similarly to certain environmental needs.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 Aug. 2024
The milk didn’t come through a nipple, the researchers found, but from within the amphibian’s cloaca in a case of convergent evolution.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2024
This could be the app version of convergent evolution, which led humans and koalas to each have opposable thumbs.
—Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024
Eyespots and shell eyes each evolved two separate times across the phylogeny — representing two separate instances of convergent evolution.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
This striking example of convergent evolution highlights how snake venoms are not only evolving for predation but for defense as well.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Variants continually compete in a veritable survival of the fittest, acquiring the same or similar mutations through a form of parallel evolution known as convergent evolution.
—Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 19 Dec. 2023
The classic example of convergent evolution is flight.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023
Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024
When a common trait, such as prickles, appears independently across different lineages and species, that is known as convergent evolution, and occurs when species adapt similarly to certain environmental needs.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 Aug. 2024
The milk didn’t come through a nipple, the researchers found, but from within the amphibian’s cloaca in a case of convergent evolution.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2024
This could be the app version of convergent evolution, which led humans and koalas to each have opposable thumbs.
—Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024
Eyespots and shell eyes each evolved two separate times across the phylogeny — representing two separate instances of convergent evolution.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
This striking example of convergent evolution highlights how snake venoms are not only evolving for predation but for defense as well.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Variants continually compete in a veritable survival of the fittest, acquiring the same or similar mutations through a form of parallel evolution known as convergent evolution.
—Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 19 Dec. 2023
The classic example of convergent evolution is flight.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'convergent evolution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near convergent evolution
Cite this Entry
“Convergent evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convergent%20evolution. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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