parallel evolution

noun

: the independent development of similar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in different species or lineages that have common ancestry and that typically occupy similar environments or ecological niches : parallelism sense 5 compare convergent evolution, divergent evolution

Examples of parallel evolution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Looking Forward As automation and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the job market, the parallel evolution of the Michigan Central and Emergent Campus initiatives demonstrate that innovation in workforce development doesn’t have to be confined to a single location or approach. —Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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

Hung traces the parallel evolution of Beijing’s determination to make Hong Kong’s people accept assimilation into China and the local development of a proud, separate identity. —Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for parallel evolution

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