Convergent evolution<span> is the independent </span>evolution<span> of similar features in species of different lineages. Convergent evolution creates </span>analogous structures<span> that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups. The </span>cladistic<span> term for the same phenomenon is </span>homoplasy<span>. The </span>recurrent evolution<span> of flight is a classic example, as flying </span>insects<span>, </span>birds<span>, and </span>bats<span> have independently evolved the useful capacity of flight. Functionally similar features that have arisen through convergent evolution are </span>analogous<span>, whereas </span>homologous<span> structures or traits have a common origin but can have dissimilar functions. Bird, bat and </span>pterosaur<span> wings are analogous structures, but their forelimbs are homologous, sharing an ancestral state despite serving different functions.</span>
Phenotypes can be directly observed. Phenotypes are the outward appearance of an organism that express the genotype. An example of a phenotype is hair color, or eye color.
