homoplasy

noun

ho·mo·pla·sy | \ ˈhō-mə-ˌplā-sē

How to pronounce homoplasy (audio)

, ˈhä-, -ˌpla-; hō-ˈmä-plə-sē \

plural homoplasies

Definition of homoplasy

evolutionary biology

: correspondence or similarity in form or function between parts of different species or lineages that is not attributable to common ancestry but is the result especially of parallel or convergent evolution in similar environments or ecological niches — compare analogy, homology

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Cite this Entry

“Homoplasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homoplasy. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for homoplasy

homoplasy

noun

ho·mo·pla·sy | \ ˈhō-mə-ˌplā-sē

, ˈhäm-ə-

, -ˌplas-ē; hō-ˈmäp-lə-sē

\

Medical Definition of homoplasy

: correspondence between parts or organs acquired as the result of parallel evolution or convergence

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