What term describes when two unrelated organisms develop similar adaptations because they live in similar environments?

The term that describes when two unrelated organisms develop similar adaptations due to living in similar environments is convergent evolution. This phenomenon occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits or features as a result of facing comparable environmental pressures or challenges. For example, adaptations such as streamlined bodies in dolphins and sharks are a result of both creatures adapting to similar aquatic environments despite belonging to entirely different taxonomic groups.

In contrast, divergent evolution refers to the accumulation of differences between closely related species, often due to different environments leading to varied adaptations. Gradualism describes the idea that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over time. Parallel evolution refers to two related species that independently evolve similar traits. Each of these concepts highlights different aspects of evolution and adaptation, but convergent evolution specifically focuses on the similarity of adaptations in unrelated organisms due to equivalent environmental conditions.