HOMOPLASTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Homoplastic is an adjective that describes something in biology as being similar in form or structure, but not necessarily in origin or function. The term is commonly used to refer to the phenomenon of developing similar characteristics in unrelated organisms due to convergent evolution.
In the context of evolution and genetics, homoplastic traits are analogous characteristics that arose independently in separate lineages. These similar traits are the result of different genetic mechanisms rather than common ancestry. Homoplasy can occur when similar environmental pressures or selective forces lead to the independent evolution of similar traits. For example, wings in birds and wings in bats are homoplastic structures as they developed independently in both lineages for the purpose of flight.
Homoplastic traits can also be seen in the field of paleontology, where similar structures in fossilized organisms are identified as homoplastic if they did not arise from a common ancestor. This concept helps researchers distinguish between true homologous characteristics (derived from a shared ancestor) and convergent features that evolved independently.
Overall, homoplastic refers to the existence of similar traits or structures in organisms that are not genetically related. By recognizing and understanding homoplastic phenomena, scientists can gain insights into the mechanisms of evolution and the adaptive responses of different species to similar environments.
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1. Similar in form and structure, but not in origin. 2. Noting a graft of similar structure, as one of bone to replace a bone defect.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOMOPLASTIC
- gomoplastic
- bomoplastic
- nomoplastic
- jomoplastic
- uomoplastic
- yomoplastic
- himoplastic
- hkmoplastic
- hlmoplastic
- hpmoplastic
- h0moplastic
- h9moplastic
- honoplastic
- hokoplastic
- hojoplastic
- homiplastic
- homkplastic
- homlplastic
- hompplastic
Etymology of HOMOPLASTIC
The word homoplastic is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: homo meaning similar or same, and plastos meaning formed or molded. So, homoplastic can be understood to mean similarly formed or made in the same way.
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