convergent evolution

noun

1. the appearance of apparently similar structures in organisms of different lines of descent.

convergent evolution

1. The development through evolution of similar features by organisms with distinctly different ancestors. A common example of this is the evolution of wings in insects and birds .

Word History and Origins

Origin of convergent evolution¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Instead, they seemed to evolve on different timelines for different creatures, what evolutionary biologists call convergent evolution.

From Popular-Science

It has popped up independently in seven variants in what appears to be a case of “convergent evolution.”

From Washington Post

Some public health researchers have noted that this is likely what’s known as convergent evolution, a phenomenon where organisms unrelated to each other evolve similar traits that help them survive.

From Popular-Science

To scientists, the copycat mutations arising in different continents means the virus is undergoing “convergent evolution.”

From MIT Technology Review

Nor are signs of a convergent evolution wanting on the economic side.

From Project Gutenberg