homœomorphy Palæont.
(ˈhɒmiːəʊmɔːfɪ)
Also homeo-.
[f. homœo- + Gr. µορϕ-ή shape + -y3.]
A superficial resemblance between two fossils or two fossil species sufficient to suggest a taxonomic identity that close examination shows not to exist; esp. a resemblance that is due to convergent evolution.
| 1895 S. S. Buckman in Q. Jrnl. Geol. Soc. LI. 457 Mojsisovics has called such cases, between non-contemporaneous ammonites, ‘heterochronous convergence’. I would rather apply the term ‘heterochronous homœomorphy’ to the phenomenon; and the term ‘isochronous homœomorphy’ would describe the resemblance between the contemporaneous Buckmani with its derivatives. 1952 R. C. Moore et al. Invertebr. Fossils vi. 219 In spite of their resemblance, these two shells could hardly be farther apart in classification. They constitute remarkable examples of homeomorphy. 1969 Nature 4 Jan. 15/1 The problem of homoeomorphy—the production of similar morphologies in distantly related stocks either more or less contemporaneously or at different geological times. |