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

In 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

called also convergence

compare analogy, divergent evolution, parallel evolution

Examples of convergent evolution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a seminal 1993 study in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, these traits are best understood through the lens of convergent evolution. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2026

So much of the book is about convergent evolution, the idea that the environment teaches you how to live in it. — Sarah Lewin Frasier, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026

When a trait evolves repeatedly and independently, biologists call this convergent evolution. — Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026

The paleontologist Simon Conway Morris points out that there are common and widespread patterns of convergent evolution in life’s history, where similar adaptations, like eyes, wings, and streamlined bodies, evolved independently in unrelated lineages. — Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for convergent evolution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution