What term describes the process where distantly related organisms independently evolve analogous traits?

Convergent evolution is the process in which distantly related organisms independently evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental pressures or challenges. This phenomenon occurs because these organisms face comparable selections that lead to analogous structures or functions, even though they do not share a recent common ancestor.

A classic example of this is the evolution of wings in bats and insects. Both groups developed the ability to fly, but their wing structures are fundamentally different and evolved separately. This reflects how organisms can arrive at similar solutions to environmental challenges despite being evolutionarily unrelated.

The other terms describe different processes: parallel evolution involves closely related species evolving similar traits due to similar environments; divergent evolution refers to a single ancestor species evolving into multiple different forms; and adaptive radiation describes rapid speciation where a single lineage diversifies into many forms to adapt to various environments. Understanding these concepts helps clarify the distinctions in evolutionary processes and the mechanisms behind the similarities observed in various species.