Dictionary > Homoplasty

Homoplasty

Definition
noun, plural:
(1) (evolution) The acquisition of a similar form or structure between species of different lineages as a result of convergent evolution
(2) (medicine) Transplantation of tissue between individuals of the same species by surgery
Supplement
(Evolution) Homoplasty refers to the trait acquired by unrelated species as a result of same adaptive response to a similar environment. It arises from convergent evolution in which different species evolved analogous traits. An example is the wings of the birds and bats that are functionally the same (for flight) but these animals belong to different taxa.
(Medicine) Homoplasty is used to transfer tissues from one individual to another of the same species. An example is a bony tissue transplanted surgically from a human donor to a human recipient. Homoplasty is considered as the next best option to autoplasty than heteroplasty.
Word origin: Greek homós (one and the same) + -plasty (from plasis a moulding)
Synonym(s):

Related term(s):

  • homoplastic


  • You will also like...

    Carbohydrates, fats and proteins - dietary sources
    A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat

    Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..

    Circulation
    Circulation

    The circulatory system is key to the transport of vital biomolecules and nutrients throughout the body. Learn about the ..

    takahē
    Takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri)

    Meet the colorful takahē, an extremely rare flightless bird. Find out more about its unique features and why they matte..

    Nephrolepis exaltata
    Vascular Plants: Ferns and Relatives

    Ferns and their relatives are vascular plants, meaning they have xylem and phloem tissues. Because of the presence of va..

    Human perception in action
    Human Perception – Neurology

    This tutorial investigates perception as two people can interpret the same thing differently. Know more about human perc..

    Origins of Life on Earth
    Origins of Life on Earth

    Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics