Difference between revisions of "Convergent evolution"
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(see also types of evolution) |
(added an example (and before someone calls me out for calling bats reptiles, note that clade Reptilia is not the same as Class Reptilia)) |
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In [[Theory of evolution|evolutionary]] biology, '''convergent evolution''' is the process by which two [[organisms]] or taxonomic groups have a character in common due to independently adapting to a similar environment or niche not by [[homology]]. | In [[Theory of evolution|evolutionary]] biology, '''convergent evolution''' is the process by which two [[organisms]] or taxonomic groups have a character in common due to independently adapting to a similar environment or niche not by [[homology]]. | ||
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| + | An example of this would be the similarities in behavior and morphology between bats and birds. Although superficially very similar, the two groups are only very distantly related (being grouped only within the clade Reptilia). Their similarities are a result of evolution in response to nearly identical ecological niches and pressures. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 20:20, October 24, 2008
In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution is the process by which two organisms or taxonomic groups have a character in common due to independently adapting to a similar environment or niche not by homology.
An example of this would be the similarities in behavior and morphology between bats and birds. Although superficially very similar, the two groups are only very distantly related (being grouped only within the clade Reptilia). Their similarities are a result of evolution in response to nearly identical ecological niches and pressures.