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
Their heat sensing evolved independently, through a process called convergent evolution.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
But similar innovations can evolve multiple times independently — a phenomenon known as convergent evolution — and this is seen across life.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025
Scientists refer to this as convergent evolution, in which different species independently evolve similar traits to solve the same problems.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
At present there are a wide variety of configurations, but as with other drone types, there is likely to be a process of convergent evolution as the optimal designs are established.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
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
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
But similar innovations can evolve multiple times independently — a phenomenon known as convergent evolution — and this is seen across life.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025
Scientists refer to this as convergent evolution, in which different species independently evolve similar traits to solve the same problems.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
At present there are a wide variety of configurations, but as with other drone types, there is likely to be a process of convergent evolution as the optimal designs are established.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Convergent evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convergent%20evolution. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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