Convergent evolution

Convergent Evolution is a process in biology where different species independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. It is in contrast to divergent evolution, where a species diverges into two or more species.

Overview

Convergent evolution is a type of evolution where organisms not closely related (not monophyletic), independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. It is the opposite of divergent evolution, where related species evolve different traits.

On a molecular level, this can happen due to random mutation unrelated to adaptive changes; see long branch attraction. In cultural evolution, convergent evolution is the development of similar cultural adaptations to similar environmental conditions by different peoples with different ancestral cultures. An example of convergent evolution is the similar nature of the flight/wings of insects, birds, pterosaurs, and bats.

All four serve the same function and are similar in structure, but each evolved independently.

Examples

Some of the classic examples of convergent evolution are:

• The flight mechanisms in birds, bats, and pterosaurs have evolved independently, yet serve the same function and are strikingly similar in structure.
• The eye is another example of convergent evolution. The octopus and the human eye are remarkably similar, despite the fact that their last common ancestor was a primitive, sightless, marine organism.
• The sugar glider and the flying squirrel have also undergone convergent evolution. They are each other's closest relatives, but they live in very different parts of the world and have evolved separately.

See also

• Parallel evolution
• Evolutionary biology
• Mimicry
• Natural selection

References

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