parallel evolution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “parallel evolution” mean?
The independent development of similar traits or characteristics in unrelated species or lineages, often due to similar environmental pressures, rather than shared ancestry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The independent development of similar traits or characteristics in unrelated species or lineages, often due to similar environmental pressures, rather than shared ancestry.
The independent emergence of similar ideas, technologies, cultural practices, or social structures in different, unconnected societies or systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of 'parallel' is consistent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic writing due to larger volume of publications in evolutionary biology.
Grammar
How to Use “parallel evolution” in a Sentence
[Subject] undergoes parallel evolution with [another subject]Parallel evolution of [trait] in [species/groups]It is an example of parallel evolution.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parallel evolution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- These two lineages appear to have paralleled each other's evolution in several key features.
- The research suggests the wings paralleled an evolutionary path seen in other insects.
American English
- These two lineages appear to have paralleled each other's evolution in several key features.
- The study shows how their social structures paralleled an evolutionary trajectory seen elsewhere.
adverb
British English
- The traits evolved parallelly, yet independently.
- (Note: 'Parallelly' is rare and awkward; 'in parallel' is preferred.)
American English
- The traits evolved parallelly, yet independently.
- (Note: 'Parallelly' is rare and awkward; 'in parallel' is preferred.)
adjective
British English
- The parallel evolutionary pathways led to remarkably similar jaw structures.
- We observed a parallel evolutionary process in the two island populations.
American English
- The parallel evolutionary pathways led to remarkably similar jaw structures.
- They documented a parallel evolutionary process in the two isolated groups.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The parallel evolution of streaming platforms in different markets shows a universal demand.'
Academic
Common in biology, anthropology, linguistics, and history. 'The paper discusses the parallel evolution of bipedalism in hominins.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would be used by educated speakers in specific discussions.
Technical
Core term in evolutionary biology and related fields. Precisely defined.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parallel evolution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parallel evolution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallel evolution”
- Using it to mean 'simultaneous evolution' without the emphasis on independent development of similar traits.
- Confusing it with 'convergent evolution' (parallel is a subset of convergent, often involving more closely related species).
- Misspelling 'parallel' (double 'l' at end, single 'l' in middle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. Convergent evolution is the broader term for unrelated species developing similar traits. Parallel evolution is often considered a subtype, typically used when the species are more closely related and evolve similar traits from a similar ancestral condition.
Yes, it is commonly used as a metaphor in social sciences, technology studies, and history to describe the independent emergence of similar innovations or social structures in unconnected societies.
It's when two separate groups independently 'invent' the same solution to a problem posed by their environment, without copying each other.
Divergent evolution, where related species become less similar over time due to adapting to different environments.
Parallel evolution is usually academic / technical in register.
Parallel evolution: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlel ˌiːvəˈluːʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛrəˌlɛl ˌɛvəˈluʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a phrase that forms idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two separate roads (parallel lines) leading to the same destination (similar trait), without ever crossing (no shared ancestry).
Conceptual Metaphor
SEPARATE PATHS TO THE SAME DESTINATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the key factor distinguishing 'parallel evolution' from 'common descent'?