Which evolutionary concept describes unrelated species developing similar traits due to similar environmental pressures?

The concept of convergent evolution correctly describes the phenomenon where unrelated species develop similar traits as a result of adapting to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches. This process can lead to the emergence of analogous structures—traits that serve similar functions but do not share a common evolutionary origin. For instance, the wings of bats and birds are both adaptations for flight, but they evolved independently in these distinct groups of animals.

Divergent evolution, in contrast, refers to the process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar, often due to different environmental pressures. Adaptive radiation involves a single ancestor species evolving into a wide variety of forms that are adapted to different environments, typically following a significant event that creates new ecological opportunities. Mutualism describes a symbiotic relationship where different species benefit from each other, which does not relate to the development of similar traits due to environmental pressures.