Parallel evolution
Parallel Evolution
Parallel evolution (pronunciation: /ˈparəˌlel ˌevəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n/) is a concept in biology and evolutionary biology that refers to similar traits evolving independently in different species due to similar environmental pressures, rather than from a common ancestor.
Etymology
The term "parallel evolution" is derived from the prefix para- meaning "beside" and the word evolution which comes from the Latin evolutio, meaning "unrolling". Together, they describe the process where two or more species evolve in similar ways, independently of each other.
Explanation
In biology, parallel evolution is often contrasted with convergent evolution and divergent evolution. While convergent evolution refers to different species evolving similar traits due to similar environments, and divergent evolution refers to species evolving different traits due to different environments, parallel evolution refers to similar traits evolving in related, but distinct, species descending from the same ancestor, but in different clades or groups.
An example of parallel evolution is the similar nature of the flight/wing structures of bats and birds. Both have wings, but evolved independently due to similar environmental pressures, not from a common flying ancestor.
Related Terms
- Convergent Evolution: The process where organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.
- Divergent Evolution: The accumulation of differences between groups which can lead to the formation of new species, usually a result of diffusion of the same species to different and isolated environments which blocks the gene flow among the distinct populations allowing differentiated fixation of characteristics through genetic drift and natural selection.
- Adaptive Radiation: The diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.
- Homoplasy: A trait shared by a set of species but not present in their common ancestor.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Parallel evolution
- Wikipedia's article - Parallel evolution
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