What evolutionary phenomenon describes the emergence of similar characteristics in unrelated species in response to similar environments?

Evolutionary Convergence

Evolutionary convergence illustrates the phenomenon by which unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to analogous environmental pressures, like wings in birds and bats. This process highlights the ability of natural selection to shape similar functional solutions to comparable ecological challenges, even among distinct evolutionary lineages. Evolutionary convergence provides powerful evidence of the action of natural selection, revealing how similar structures and behaviors can independently emerge in different parts of the tree of life. The study of these phenomena offers valuable insights into the fundamental principles of evolution and nature's creativity in adapting organisms to their environment.