convergent development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convergent development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the process where different entities or systems evolve in similar ways due to similar environmental pressures or challenges. Example: "The study of convergent development in species highlights how similar traits can emerge independently in different evolutionary lineages."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's also grown easier to develop games across many platforms at a small scale because of convergent development environments like Unity 3D.

TechCrunch

This selection, in theory, may lead to a convergent development of antigen binding regions, and antibodies with similar and identical CDRs in different individuals despite the enormous potential variation in antibodies [ 8– 10].

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

In earlier work, we have presented observational evidence for functionally referential communication in these songs [ 37] and recent studies have compared the convergent development of patterns for human speech and human singing with gibbon song [ 38, 39].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The monophyly of Euthyneura (traditionally uniting Opisthobranchia and Pulmonata) has been widely accepted and well supported [ 13, 18, 37], even though their eponymous apomorphy - the euthyneury - has been revealed as convergent development [ 1, 2].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

He admitted, however, that most of the derived osteological characters shared by two or more families are reductive states or loss of parts, and similarities among such characters may in many cases represent convergent development.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In regard to the arrangement of serotonin-lir perikarya and considering the phylactolaemate lophophore as apomorphic (see above), it seems more likely that the horse-shoe shape is a convergent development and perhaps correlates with the large size of the zooids in the Phylactolaemata.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This prominence stems from two convergent developments.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Only the enigmatic Rhodopemorpha are lacking, but a recent molecular phylogeny based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers shows no affinities between Acochlidia and Rhodopemorpha [ 49], and the morphological characters common to both groups can be explained as convergent developments (see discussion below and [ 22]).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

On the other hand, no morphological characters currently contradict that molecular phylogenetic hypothesis, nor do they favour any alternative relationships, since morphological characters common to the mesopsammic heterobranchs are shown to be convergent developments, and the potential synapomorphy of Acochlidia with "Opisthobranchia" has to be considered as plesiomorphic.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

While morphological analyses face the problem of convergent developments that might mask the true phylogenetic signal, and depend on the coding procedure for morphological characters [ 18], single-marker molecular analyses are challenged in choosing a suitable marker, and multi-locus molecular studies stand and fall with the available taxon sampling.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

These results suggested a separate pathway for trichome development in monocot plants and provided new evidence for the convergent evolution of trichome development pathways.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convergent development", ensure the context clearly indicates that separate entities are independently arriving at similar outcomes. Provide specific examples to illustrate the convergence.

Common error

Avoid using "convergent development" when referring to traits or systems that share a common ancestry. Use it specifically when the similarities arise independently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convergent development" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a process or phenomenon where independent entities evolve or develop similar characteristics or functionalities. Ludwig AI validates its use across various scientific and technological contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "convergent development" describes the independent evolution or development of similar traits or systems. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in scientific and technological contexts. Although relatively rare, it effectively communicates the concept of separate entities arriving at similar outcomes. Related phrases include "parallel development" and "evolutionary convergence". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates independent origins and similar results to avoid confusion with homologous development. Real-world examples can greatly enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parallel development

This alternative emphasizes the simultaneous and independent nature of the development process.

evolutionary convergence

Highlights convergence as the primary driver of evolutionary change.

similar evolution

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect, highlighting the similarity in the outcomes of different evolutionary paths.

converging evolution

Emphasizes the act of different evolutionary paths coming together.

independent co-evolution

Covers the aspect that two or more species evolve together even if they are independent.

developmental parallelism

Focuses specifically on the parallel aspects of developmental processes.

homoplasy

Technical term for the development of similar features in different lineages.

analogous development

Highlights the analogous nature of the developed traits or systems.

morphological convergence

Specifically refers to convergence in the physical form or structure.

functional similarity

Highlights that the resulting systems or features have similar functions.

FAQs

How does "convergent development" differ from parallel development?

"Convergent development" implies that distinct starting points evolve toward a similar endpoint, whereas "parallel development" suggests similar changes occurring along similar lines of descent.

In what contexts is the term "convergent development" most appropriately used?

The term "convergent development" is typically used in evolutionary biology, technology, and systems design to describe how different entities independently evolve or develop similar traits or functionalities. For example, the "similar evolution" of wings in birds and bats is an instance of convergent development.

What are some real-world examples of "convergent development"?

Examples include the independent evolution of camera eyes in vertebrates and cephalopods, and the development of similar algorithms by different AI research teams. The "functional similarity" is achieved through different routes.

What's a good alternative to "convergent development" if I want to avoid jargon?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "independent development of similar features", "evolving toward similar solutions", or "arriving at the same result through different means". You might also try "analogous development".