Convergent evolution

A kind of evolution wherein organisms evolve that have similar structures or functions in spite of their evolutionary ancestors being very dissimilar or unrelated.

The process by which species evolve in different places or different times and, although they have different genetic heritages, develop similar external forms and structures as a result of adaptation to similar environments is known as convergent evolution.

Although geographically isolated for 180 million years, certain plants of the American and African deserts may look similar in spite of not being closely related and belonging to different biological families. Similar climates, to which these plants have been subjected, imposed similar stresses and opened up similar ecological opportunities. The plants evolved to adapt to these stresses and potentials and have come to look alike and prevail in like habitats. The ancestral differences between these look-alike plants can be found in their flowers, fruits, and seeds, which are evolutionarily the most conservative (least changing) organs and provide the best clues as to the genetic history of a species. People make use of convergent evolution when they move decorative and useful plants around the world.        

                                                   

Major biomes

Tundra, Boreal Forests or Taiga, Temperate Forests, temperate Rain Forests, Temperate Woodlands, Temperate Shrub lands, Temperate Grasslands, tropical Rain Forests, Tropical Seasonal Forests and Savannas, Deserts, Wetlands, Freshwaters, Intertidal, Open Ocean, Upwellings, Hydrothermal Vents, etc.