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

See Examples For:

homoplasy

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 St. George Mivart

Sir E. Ray Lankester’s term, homoplasy, has passed into currency as designating such cases where different genetic material has been pressed by similar conditions into similar moulds.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various