convergent evolution

(noun)

a trait of evolution in which species not of similar recent origin acquire similar properties due to natural selection

Related Terms

  • morphology
  • divergent evolution
  • parallel evolution
  • adaptation

Examples of convergent evolution in the following topics:

  • Convergent Evolution

    • Convergent evolution occurs in different species that have evolved similar traits independently of each other.
    • This phenomenon is called convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in species that do not share a recent common ancestry.
    • Convergent evolution describes the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages.
    • Convergent evolution is similar to, but distinguishable from, the phenomenon of parallel evolution.
    • The opposite of convergent evolution is divergent evolution, whereby related species evolve different traits.
  • Evolution of Reptiles

    • Pterosaurs had a number of adaptations that allowed for flight, including hollow bones (birds also exhibit hollow bones, a case of convergent evolution).
  • CAM and C4 Photosynthesis

    • Over 90% of plants use C3 carbon fixation, compared to 3% that use C4 carbon fixation; however, the evolution of C4 in over 60 plant lineages makes it a striking example of convergent evolution.
  • Processes and Patterns of Evolution

    • The evolution of species has resulted in enormous variation in form and function.
    • Sometimes, evolution gives rise to groups of organisms that become tremendously different from each other.
    • When two species evolve in diverse directions from a common point, it is called divergent evolution.
    • This phenomenon is called convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in species that do not share a recent common ancestry.
    • These physical changes occur over enormous spans of time and help explain how evolution occurs.
  • Evidence of Evolution

    • Evidence for evolution has been obtained through fossil records, embryology, geography, and molecular biology.
    • The evidence for evolution is compelling and extensive.
    • Another form of evidence of evolution is the convergence of form in organisms that share similar environments.
    • DNA sequences have also shed light on some of the mechanisms of evolution.
    • Explain how the fossil record has aided in the development of the theory of evolution
  • Tips for Testing Series

    • Convergence tests are methods of testing for the convergence or divergence of an infinite series.
    • Convergence tests are methods of testing for the convergence, conditional convergence, absolute convergence, interval of convergence, or divergence of an infinite series.
    • When testing the convergence of a series, you should remember that there is no single convergence test which works for all series.
    • Here is a summary for the convergence test that we have learned:
    • Formulate three techniques that will help when testing the convergence of a series
  • Absolute Convergence and Ratio and Root Tests

    • An infinite series of numbers is said to converge absolutely (or to be absolutely convergent) if the sum of the absolute value of the summand is finite.
    • (A convergent series that is not absolutely convergent is called conditionally convergent.)
    • The root test is a criterion for the convergence (a convergence test) of an infinite series.
    • otherwise the test is inconclusive (the series may diverge, converge absolutely, or converge conditionally).
    • The red sequence converges, so the blue sequence does as well.
  • Development of the Peripheral Nervous System

    • During neurulation, the borders of the neural plate, also known as the neural folds, converge at the dorsal midline to form the neural tube.
    • The emergence of the neural crest was important in vertebrate evolution because many of its structural derivatives are defining features of the vertebrate clade.
  • Evolution of Angiosperms

  • Comparison Tests

    • The limit comparison test is a method of testing for the convergence of an infinite series, while the direct comparison test is a way of deducing the convergence or divergence of an infinite series or an improper integral by comparison with other series or integral whose convergence properties are already known.
    • Example: We want to determine if the series $\Sigma \frac{n+1}{2n^2}$ converges or diverges.
    • In both cases, the test works by comparing the given series or integral to one whose convergence properties are known.
    • If the infinite series $\sum b_n$ converges and $0 \le a_n \le b_n$ for all sufficiently large $n$ (that is, for all $n>N$ for some fixed value $N$), then the infinite series $\sum a_n$ also converges.
    • The series $\Sigma \frac{1}{n^3 + 2n}$ converges because $\frac{1}{n^3 + 2n} < \frac{1}{n^3}$ for $n > 0$ and $\Sigma \frac{1}{n^3}$ converges.
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