Convergent Evolution
The independent evolution of similar features in species that are not closely related, usually because they face similar environmental challenges or occupy similar ecological niches.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 4 chapters:
"...logy of Migration The Great Migrations Evolution independently discovered migration in unrelated lineages (birds, fish, mammals, insects). This convergent evolution suggests migration solves fundamental survival problems: seasonal resource scarcity. 1. Arctic Terns: 44,000 Miles Annually (Longest Migration) ..."
"These weren't failures of execution but violations of biological law: radiation requires empty niches. In the next chapter, we explore convergent evolution: the phenomenon where distantly related lineages independently evolve similar solutions to the same environmental challenges, and how organizations a..."
"Book 6, Chapter 5: Convergent Evolution - Independent Discovery of Optimal Solutions Introduction In the early 20th century, anatomists discovered something remarkable."
"...gies), genetic drift (randomness in small populations), gene flow (migration's homogenizing effects), adaptive radiation (explosive diversification), convergent evolution (independent discovery of optimal solutions), co-evolution (reciprocal adaptation and arms races), niche construction (engineering environments), and..."
Biological Context
Eyes evolved independently in vertebrates, mollusks, and arthropods. Wings evolved separately in birds, bats, and insects. Streamlined body shapes evolved in fish, dolphins, and ichthyosaurs. Convergent evolution suggests that certain solutions are optimal for certain problems.
Business Application
Business convergent evolution: similar solutions emerging independently. Multiple companies develop comparable products, organizational structures, or strategies when facing similar market pressures.