>As for convergent evolution, I sure there are examples out there.  One problem
 maybe species who are widely separated but rather than convergent were
really one species before say, the Panama isthmus closed up.
 
There are several interesting papers that list "cognate" species on either
side of the isthmus of Panama, including one in a back issue of American
Conchologist by Emily Vokes on the murex from the Caribbean and Panamic
provinces. I had a great time putting together an exhibit of cognates a few
years back. Some are only found now as fossils on one or the other coast,
for instance, Jenneria (living in Panamic, fossil in Florida).
 
Peggy
 
 
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