Homoplasy

Pronunciation
/hoh-MO-pluh-see/
Category
Evolutionary Biology
Plural
Homoplasies

Definition

The independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages.

Etymology

From Greek 'homo-', meaning 'same', and 'plasis', meaning 'molding' or 'formation'.

Example

The wings of birds and bats are an example of homoplasy, as they evolved independently in these two distinct lineages.

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