homoplasy

American  

[huh-mop-luh-see, hoh-muh-plas-ee, -pley-see, hom-uh-] / həˈmɒp lə si, ˈhoʊ məˌplæs i, -ˌpleɪ si, ˈhɒm ə- /

noun

Biology.

1. correspondence in form or structure, owing to a similar environment.

---

Other Word Forms

• homoplastic adjective

Etymology

Origin of homoplasy

First recorded in 1865–70; homo- + -plasy

Example Sentences

When similar characteristics occur because of environmental constraints and not due to a close evolutionary relationship, it is called an analogy or homoplasy.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

When similar characteristics occur because of environmental constraints and not due to a close evolutionary relationship, it is called an analogy or homoplasy.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

One of the most important factors to consider is known among evolutionary scholars as homoplasy, or convergent evolution amongst unrelated lineages.

From Scientific American • Apr. 17, 2013

Serial homology, for instance, was a case of homoplasy.

From Form and Function A Contribution to the History of Animal Morphology by E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell

For this relationship Mr. Bay Lankester has proposed the term "homoplasy."

From On the Genesis of Species by Mivart, St. George