Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Definition

noun

An evolutionary process by which two or more separate species in the same environment develop similar adaptation or characteristic for survival.

Supplement

Parallel evolution is similar to convergent evolution in a way that two unrelated species evolved similar traits. However, in parallel evolution, the two species evolved same traits while living in the same type of environment whereas in convergent evolution the two species evolved same traits in separate types of environment.

Example of parallel evolution: North American cactus and the African euphorbia that developed similar adaptation, which is their thick stems and sharp quills to survive the hot, arid climates. These two plant species are of different plant families but live in the same type of environment.

Compare: convergent evolution, divergent evolution