Unrelated lineages evolve similar traits because they face similar selective pressures.
Unrelated organisms facing similar conditions evolve similar forms: sharks, ichthyosaurs and dolphins; New and Old World cacti and euphorbias; marsupial and placental moles.
It demonstrates the power of selection and the limited number of workable solutions.
Unrelated lineages evolve similar traits because they face similar selective pressures.
Convergent Evolution is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Analogous Structures, Adaptation, Variation and Selection Pressure.
Echolocation evolved separately in bats and toothed whales, with a convergent change in the prestin gene.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Convergent Evolution. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Convergent Evolution are Analogous Structures, Adaptation, Variation and Selection Pressure, Natural Selection. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Convergent Evolution. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Convergent Evolution: Unrelated lineages evolve similar traits because they face similar selective pressures. Analogous Structures: Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Analogous Structures and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings.
🦎 EvolutionA heritable trait that improves an organism's survival and reproduction in its environment.
🦎 EvolutionEnvironmental factors like predators or climate that favour certain heritable variants over others.
🦎 EvolutionIndividuals with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more, passing those traits on.
🦎 Evolution