Science Natural Science 8 Fascinating Examples of Convergent Evolution This is when unrelated species evolve to have functionally similar features. By Catie Leary Catie Leary Writer and Photographer Georgia State University Catie Leary writes and curates visual stories about science, animals, the arts, travel, and the natural world. Learn about our editorial process Updated July 23, 2024 Miha Pavlin / Getty Images Science Space Natural Science Technology Agriculture Energy Convergent evolution is when unrelated species evolve to have functionally similar features, known as analogous structures. In other words, despite lacking common ancestors, they evolve with similar characteristics to fit into a specific ecological niche. This form of evolution is often discussed with divergent evolution, which occurs when one species diverges into new species by developing variations in traits in response to environment and lifestyle. Many instances of convergent evolution make us curious about why and how species converge (or join) over time and develop certain abilities. Here, we look at fascinating examples of this type of evolution. Homologous vs. Analogous Structures Homologous structures refer to two or more structures found in different species from a common ancestor. Analogous structures, on the other hand, refer to structures in different species not from the same ancestor. 1 of 8 Birds and Bats Bernd Wolter / EyeEm / Getty Images All bats and birds "converged" with their ability to fly in response to environmental stimuli and biological goals. The arm bones in birds and bats are the same structurally and considered homologous. The wing shape, however, is what is convergent. Bat wings are flaps of skin stretched between bones whereas birds have layers of feathers extending along their arms. These differences mean they came from different ancestors but ultimately evolved the same ability to fly. 2 of 8 Flying Lemurs and Sugar Gliders Colugo Flying Lemur,. Cede Prudente / Getty Images Given their distinctive gliding capabilities, you would assume that flying lemurs and sugar gliders are closely related. Sugar gliders are marsupials, more closely related to kangaroos and koalas, whereas flying lemurs are "placental mammals" and closest to primates. Their "wings," however, are analogous structures that evolved independently of one another. Both have also evolved key characteristics suitable for treetop (arboreal) living and large eyes for seeing better in the dark (nocturnal)—convergent evolution examples allowing them to thrive within the same ecological niche. 3 of 8 Dolphins and Sharks George Karbus Photography / Getty Images Sharks and dolphins couldn't be more different. Dolphins are mammals and sharks are fish. A dolphin's skeleton is made of bone while a shark's skeleton is composed of cartilage. While dolphins must come to the surface to breathe air, sharks use gills to extract oxygen from the water. Both sharks and dolphins adopted the same characteristics—streamlined bodies, dorsal and pectoral fins, and flippers—in order to swim fast and catch prey. Fins function much like hands, and while dolphins are distantly related to mammals with hands, sharks are not, thus their fins would have come from a different genetic source. 4 of 8 Snakes and Worm Lizards jopstock / Getty Images Worm lizards are, indeed, just legless lizards, and not as close to snakes as they appear. In 2011, an approximately 45-million-year-old worm lizard fossil was found in Germany. It was concluded that the fossil lizard had arms and legs lost over time as worm lizards adapted without them. The report also mentioned that the fossil had a thick skull designed for burrowing, same as the worm lizards, and "a far cry from the light, bendy skulls of snakes." It's believed these ancient lizards adapted to a headfirst digging lifestyle before losing their legs and lengthening their bodies. 5 of 8 Nepenthaceae and Sarraceniaceae derketta / Getty Images The carnivorous pitcher plants Nepenthaceae and Sarraceniaceae both have pitfall traps, which lure insects in either with nectar, bright colors, or both. They source minerals like nitrogen and phosphorous from the animals they consume. Despite both having these traps, Nepenthaceae and Sarraceniaceae are separate species with mostly just this feature in common. The Old World-based Nepenthes consist of tropical pitcher plants in Madagascar, South Asia, and Australia; New World-based Sarraceniaceae are hardier pitcher plants in North and South America. They are found across habitats, always with poor soil conditions, from pine barrens to sandy coastal swamps. 6 of 8 Marsupial Opossums and New World Monkeys David González Rebollo / Getty Images New World monkeys consist of arboreal primates found in forest habitats. They have prehensile tails, which allow them to grasp objects and hang from trees. Marsupial opossums can also do this with their tails, except they're not primates. They're marsupials, which means their babies are raised in a pouch on the mother's belly, like a kangaroo. Opossums are also the only non-primate with opposable big toes, giving it unique agility. 7 of 8 Euphorbia and Astrophytum Succulents Euphorbia obesa. shihina / Getty Images While Astrophytum is a genus of species of cacti, Euphorbia obesa is closer to poinsettias than cacti. Still, both have evolved to be able to conserve water in hot desert climates. The two often appear together in succulent gardens, with many of their caretakers unaware of the differences because, at first glance, they look so similar. Both store water in swollen stems, grow spines, and come in several shapes and sizes. But cactus spines grow from an "areole," or small cushiony dot that protrudes from the side of the plant; they can be removed easily and are designed to embed themselves in passing animals or humans. Euphorbias, by contrast, push their spikes (or thorns) right out of the plant's sidewall; they're usually thick and appear part of the stem. Ripping them off would harm the plant. 8 of 8 Echidnas and Hedgehogs Byronsdad / Getty Images Quills are modified hairs adapted to serve a biological purpose, such as defending against predators or improving senses. In both echidnas and hedgehogs, these quills are short and thick, making the species look the same. However, echidnas are "spiny anteaters" native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea that burrow, whereas hedgehogs come from Europe, Asia, and Africa, and prefer to nest. Echidnas produce eggs that hatch, and hedgehogs give birth to litters of live young. Why This Matters to Treehugger Understanding our fellow creatures is key to protecting biodiversity and habitat conservation. We hope that the more we learn about amazing species like the ones on this list, the more motivated we’ll all be to help protect their important habitats. View Article Sources "Cryptolacerta and the rise of the worm-lizards." National Geographic. "Pitcher Plant." Britannica.