Parallel evolution is the independent evolution of similar traits, starting from a similar ancestral condition due to similar environments or other evolutionary pressures[1].
Parallel evolution is a different phenomenon than convergent evolution and evolutionary relay. In convergent evolution, independent organisms acquire similar characteristics through their evolution in different habitats (bird and fly wings).
parallel evolution The development of similar characteristics in organisms that are not closely related (not part of a monophyletic group) due to adaptation to similar environments and/or strategies of life.
Parallel evolution
See parallelism
Related Terms:
Parallelism
Occurence of the same of similar structures independently evolved in two or more lineages, that may be but must not be related to another.
The essence, I think, of our current understanding of human evolution is that we should begin to look at some of these parallel groupings as cases of parallel evolution.
Similar selective pressures in these environments result in parallel evolution among the traits that confer reproductive isolation. There is some experimental evidence that this might occur (Kilias, et al. 1980; Dodd 1989).
 See also: Evolution, Species, Plant, Character, Organ
  
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