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Definition of Convergent evolution
1. Noun. (biology) A trait of evolution in which species acquire similar properties because of their advantageousness. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Medical Definition of Convergent evolution
1. The process where two unrelated structures in unrelated organisms evolve to perform similar functions. (The structures are called analogous structures.) For example: the wings of bats, birds, and insects evolved separately from each other but all are used to perform the function of flying. For another example: 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. (09 Oct 1997)