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Convergent evolution
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<p>Convergent evolution is the independent <a href="/facts/Evolution/Hj0qAaBk">evolution</a> of similar features in species of different periods or epochs in time. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the <a href="/facts/Last_common_ancestor/Cbg1YLCV">last common ancestor</a> of those groups. The <a href="/facts/Cladistic/JasKVABk">cladistic</a> term for the same phenomenon is <a href="/facts/Cladogram/fWFYhUFo">homoplasy</a>. The <a href="/facts/Recurrent_evolution/Mf2x5Wr7">recurrent evolution</a> of flight is a classic example, as flying <a href="/facts/Pterygota/Wk2Mdv86">insects</a>, <a href="/facts/Bird/RJF6zwLP">birds</a>, <a href="/facts/Pterosaurs/YNQwa1ru">pterosaurs</a>, and <a href="/facts/Bat/CJudzNt1">bats</a> have independently evolved the useful capacity of flight. Functionally similar features that have arisen through convergent evolution are <i>analogous</i>, whereas <i><a href="/facts/Homology_(biology)/muctKlyT">homologous</a></i> structures or traits have a common origin but can have dissimilar functions. Bird, bat, and pterosaur <a href="/facts/Wings/6v6VAUT2">wings</a> are analogous structures, but their forelimbs are homologous, sharing an ancestral state despite serving different functions. </p><p>The opposite of convergence is <a href="/facts/Divergent_evolution/mVa7P3RU">divergent evolution</a>, where related species evolve different traits. Convergent evolution is similar to <a href="/facts/Parallel_evolution/WNYPe6td">parallel evolution</a>, which occurs when two independent species evolve in the same direction and thus independently acquire similar characteristics; for instance, <a href="/facts/Flying_frog/lzm1DJGN">gliding frogs</a> have evolved in parallel from multiple types of <a href="/facts/Tree_frog/D7LhXSTX">tree frog</a>. </p><p>Many instances of convergent evolution are known in <a href="/facts/Plant/X5BMDMvS">plants</a>, including the repeated development of <a href="/facts/C4_photosynthesis/2dLTxsae">C4 photosynthesis</a>, <a href="/facts/Seed_dispersal/yNofEeyA">seed dispersal</a> by fleshy <a href="/facts/Fruit/PBpuzk60">fruits</a> adapted to be eaten by animals, and <a href="/facts/Carnivorous_plant/GWTld9Ke">carnivory</a>. </p>