Parallel evolution is a process where different species independently evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental challenges. This phenomenon occurs when organisms, often from different evolutionary lineages, face comparable selective pressures, leading to the development of analogous features. An example of parallel evolution can be seen in the wings of bats and birds. Although these animals belong to different groups, they both developed the ability to fly, resulting in similar wing structures. This illustrates how different species can arrive at similar solutions to environmental demands, despite their distinct evolutionary backgrounds.