Convergence in Evolution: Links

When different organisms independently evolve very similar characteristics in adaptation to similar environments, this is known as convergent evolution.

On the web

• Wikipedia: Convergent Evolution
• Wikipedia: List of examples of Convergent Evolution

Examples of convergent evolution:

• Marsupials in Australia versus placental mammals
• Penguin versus seal versus dolphin versus ichthyosaur teardrop shape
• Vertebrate camera eye and cephalopod (e.g. octopus) eye
• Anteaters, Armadillos and Pangolins
• Ichthyosaur and dolphin: similar adaptation to sustained swimming and their teeth suggest a diet of marine prey such as fish along with squid and belemnites (?).

Examples from biology online

• the wings of bats, birds, and insects evolved independently from each other but all are used to perform the function of flying
• the complex eyes of vertebrates, cephalopods (squid and octopus), cubozoan jellyfish, and arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans) evolved separately, but all perform the function of vision
• the smelling organs of the terrestrial coconut crab are similar to those of insects
• the very similar shells of brachiopods and bivalve molluscs
• prickles, thorns and spines have evolved independently to prevent or limit herbivory
• plant hormones such as gibberellin and abscisic acid of plants and fungi

On the web

• Map of Life: Convergent Evolution Online