Did you know convergent evolution is quite common?

Abstract

Simply put, convergent evolution is when unrelated, or very, very distantly related species from different families develop similar traits, mostly based on their environment. Anyone who's studied Darwin is likely familiar with divergent evolution, which is when a species evolves over time into similar species with slightly different and better adapted traits. In contrast, convergent evolution results when distinctly different species become more similar. Convergent evolution can be seen through unrelated species in locations across the globe from each other too. Several animals in Australia carry identical traits to unrelated and distant animals elsewhere. As the world changes, animal species change with it, often taking several generations. Molecular studies are now definitively establishing genetic connections, as well as separating species that were previously grouped in the same family tree.