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.

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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

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

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

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