Flukelikes
Flukelikes are a speculative concept within the field of evolutionary biology, referring to traits that arise independently in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures or developmental constraints, but do not share a direct common ancestor for that specific trait. The term is derived from the word "fluke," suggesting a coincidental or improbable occurrence.
The study of flukelikes is crucial for understanding convergent evolution. Convergent evolution describes the process where
Examples often cited in discussions of flukelikes include the evolution of wings in birds, bats, and insects.
Distinguishing true flukelikes from homologous traits (those inherited from a common ancestor) is a key challenge