convergent evolution

This term describes a biological phenomenon where unrelated species develop similar physical or behavioral characteristics because they face the same environmental pressures. It is a cornerstone concept in evolutionary biology used to explain why animals from different lineages often look alike, such as the streamlined bodies of sharks and dolphins.

In a technical context, this is strictly contrasted with divergent evolution, where related species evolve different traits. Because it refers to a specific biological process, it is treated as an uncountable noun and does not typically take a plural form in scientific discourse.