homoplasy Biol.
(həʊˈmɒpləsɪ)
[f. as prec. + Gr. -πλασια, f. πλάσις moulding, formation.]
Homoplastic condition; similarity of structure produced independently by the operation of similar external circumstances. Opp. to homogeny 2.
| 1870 Ray Lankester in Ann. Nat. Hist. VI. 39 When identical or nearly similar forces, or environments, act on two or more parts of an organism which are exactly or nearly alike..[or] on parts in two organisms, which parts are exactly or nearly alike and sometimes homogenetic, the resulting correspondences called forth in the several parts in the two organisms will be nearly or exactly alike..I propose to call this kind of agreement homoplasis or homoplasy. Ibid. 40 What, exactly, is to be ascribed to homogeny, and what to homoplasy, in the relations of this series of structures, is a matter for careful consideration. 1886 Syd. Soc. Lex., Homoplasy, the assumption by organisms..of externally similar forms when exposed to similar external conditions. A good example is seen in the similarity of the American aloe, which is an Agave, to the true aloe. |