homoplasy
noun
ho·mo·pla·sy
ˈhō-mə-ˌplā-sē 
hō-ˈmä-plə-sē
ˈhä-,
-ˌpla-
hō-ˈmä-plə-sē
plural homoplasies
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
Dictionary Entries Near homoplasy
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“Homoplasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homoplasy. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
homoplasy
noun
ho·mo·pla·sy
ˈhō-mə-ˌplā-sē
ˈhäm-ə-
-ˌplas-ē; hō-ˈmäp-lə-sē
ˈhäm-ə-
-ˌplas-ē; hō-ˈmäp-lə-sē
: correspondence between parts or organs acquired as the result of parallel evolution or convergence
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