Convergent evolution Evolution toward similar traits in unrelated species

Convergent Evolution UUnrelated organisms independently evolve similar adaptations to similar environments / niches AAnalogous structures EExample: penguin limb/whale flipper/fish fin WWings of insects, birds, pterosaurs, and bats – all serve the same function –m–may be similar in outward appearance –e–evolved independently –a–anatomical structure very different

HOMOLOGOUS STRUCTURES Front legs / arms of many animals have similar basic structures

Convergence  analogous structures  Convergent and parallel evolution is often due to independent adaptation to similar environments.

Segmentation has evolved twice Sight has evolved multiple times

Convergence often due to independent adaptation to similar environments.

Convergence

Convergent Evolution

ocotillo (SW America) and allauidia (Madagascar) Convergent Evolution

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Convergent Evolution Similar body shapes and structures euphorbias in Southern Africa North American cacti

Videos  Wolfe: Homologous structures