convergence
noun
con·ver·gence
kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s
1
: the act of converging and especially moving toward union or uniformity
the convergence of the three rivers
especially
: coordinated movement of the two eyes so that the image of a single point is formed on corresponding retinal areas
2
: the state or property of being convergent
3
a
evolutionary biology
: independent development of similar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in unrelated or distantly related species or lineages : convergent evolution
The second mechanism, also well established, is convergence—in which separate organisms, such as birds and bats, independently develop a similar trait or behavior (wings, say) even though they did not inherit that structure from a common ancestor.—Ann Gibbons
b
: the independent development of similarities between separate cultures
Indo-Europeanists often find it difficult to know whether they have to deal with cultural characteristics that have been borrowed or inherited, or are the product merely of a convergence …—Boris Oguibénine
4
: the merging of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole
… offers a variety of services related to the convergence of the Internet and mobile phones.—Rob Walker
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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