the evolutionary development of a superficial resemblance between unrelated animals that occupy a similar environment, as in the evolution of wings in birds and bats
convergent evolution in American English
noun
the appearance of apparently similar structures in organisms of different lines of descent
Word origin
[1965–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1965–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: hired gun, isometric exercise, red-eye, stun gun, wraparound
Examples of 'convergent evolution' in a sentence
convergent evolution
Papers were published on this as clear evidence of convergent evolution.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Convergent evolution clearly happens, as the octopus eye shows.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It is a classic example of convergent evolution.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Convergent evolution, he shows, is common.
The Times Literary Supplement (2018)
The same features evolved independently, in response to similar problems, in very different animals - a phenomenon known as convergent evolution.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It's called convergent evolution: the same solution to the same problem reached by means of a different method.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It is called convergent evolution, and it happens all the time: unrelated creatures that face the same problem come up with near-identical solutions independently.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Biologists who subscribe to theories of convergent evolution say the answer is yes, although their smart dinosaurs might have looked uncannily like humans.