The development of similar cultural adaptations to similar environmental conditions by people whose ancestry was otherwise distinct is called parallel evolution.

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The correct term for this phenomenon is "convergent cultural evolution," not parallel evolution. Parallel evolution refers to a biological concept where two related species evolve similar traits independently, often due to similar environmental pressures. Convergent cultural evolution describes how different societies develop similar solutions to similar environmental challenges despite having distinct ancestries.

The Development of Similar Cultural Adaptations to Similar Environmental Conditions