HOMOIOPLASIA Meaning and
Definition
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Homoioplasia refers to the occurrence of similar or identical traits or characteristics in different species or organisms, due to convergent evolution or independent evolution. It is a term commonly used in biology, particularly in the field of evolutionary biology.
When different species develop similar features or structures independently, it is called homoioplasia. This phenomenon can be observed when unrelated organisms adapt to similar environmental conditions or face similar selective pressures. As a result, they evolve comparable traits in order to survive and reproduce more efficiently.
Homoioplasia is often contrasted with homology, which refers to the presence of similar traits or structures in different organisms due to a common ancestor. In the case of homoioplasia, the similar traits are not due to shared ancestry but instead are a result of separate evolutionary paths.
Homoioplasia can be seen in various aspects of biology, such as anatomical structures, physiological functions, and even behaviors. For example, the ability to fly has evolved independently in both bats and birds, resulting in similar skeletal adaptations despite their distinct genetic lineages.
The study of homoioplasia contributes to our understanding of evolutionary processes and the mechanisms behind the development of similar traits in disparate species. By studying these convergences, scientists can gain insights into the factors that drive evolution and the various ways in which organisms adapt to their environments.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOMOIOPLASIA
- gomoioplasia
- bomoioplasia
- nomoioplasia
- jomoioplasia
- uomoioplasia
- yomoioplasia
- himoioplasia
- hkmoioplasia
- hlmoioplasia
- hpmoioplasia
- h0moioplasia
- h9moioplasia
- honoioplasia
- hokoioplasia
- hojoioplasia
- homiioplasia
- homkioplasia
- homlioplasia
- hompioplasia
- hom0ioplasia
Etymology of HOMOIOPLASIA
The word "homoioplasia" is derived from two Greek roots - "homoios" and "plasis".
1. "Homoios" (ὅμοιος): This root means "similar" or "like" in Greek.
2. "Plasis" (πλάσις): This root means "formation", "molding", or "creation" in Greek.
When combined, these two roots form the word "homoioplasia". In the context of biology, homoioplasia refers to the independent development of similar characteristics or traits in unrelated organisms through convergent evolution.
