parallelevolution
nounUK /ˌpærəlɛl ˌiːvəˈluːʃən/
US /ˌpærəlɛl ˌɛvəˈluːʃən/
When two different living things change in the same way over time.
The wings of bats and birds are a result of parallel evolution.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The independent development of similar traits in related species that live in similar environments.
Parallel evolution in fish species on different continents produced similar body shapes.
3. A situation where two separate processes or systems develop in similar directions at the same time.
The parallel evolution of two rival technologies led to nearly identical designs.
4. In sociology, the similar development of different societies under comparable conditions.
Scholars noted the parallel evolution of legal systems in ancient cultures.