Question

What is parallel evolution?

Answer 1

Parallel evolution:

1. Parallel evolution is a process in which two distinct species develop similar traits independently while living in the same habitat due to similar environmental pressures.
2. Examples of parallel evolution:

• The woolly mammoth which became extinct 4000 years ago and the modern elephant share a common ancestor that lived approximately 6 million years ago.
• Thoatherium, a Miocene litoptern, and Equus, the modern horse share a common ancestor with a five-toed hoof. They evolved independently to a one-toed hoof for faster running.