<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages . Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups . The cladistic term for the same phenomenon is homoplasy . The recurrent evolution of flight is a classic example, as flying insects, birds, pterosaurs, and bats have independently evolved the useful capacity of flight . Functionally similar features that have arisen through convergent evolution are analogous, whereas homologous structures or traits have a common origin but can have dissimilar functions . Bird, bat, and pterosaur wings are analogous structures, but their forelimbs are homologous, sharing an ancestral state despite serving different functions . </P> <P> The opposite of convergence is divergent evolution, where related species evolve different traits . Convergent evolution is similar to but different from parallel evolution . Parallel evolution occurs when two independent but similar species evolve in the same direction and thus independently acquire similar characteristics; for instance, gliding frogs have evolved in parallel from multiple types of tree frog . </P>

Occurs when species that were distinct evolve similar traits