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Glite Dictionary
homomorphy

homomorphy

9.9
A similar shape in animals, plants, or objects that are not closely related
  • noun
  • /ˌhoʊməˈmɔrfi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : homomorfia
  • Biologists study homomorphy to understand how different species can independently evolve similar forms.

Examples

  • Some unrelated animals display remarkable homomorphy due to convergent evolution.

  • The principle of homomorphy can be observed in various crystalline structures that share similar shapes.

  • The concept of homomorphy is fascinating in evolutionary biology.

  • Many species exhibit homomorphy despite their different evolutionary paths.

  • Biologists study homomorphy to understand how different species can independently evolve similar forms.

  • Some unrelated animals display remarkable homomorphy due to convergent evolution.

  • Many species exhibit homomorphy despite their different evolutionary paths.

Synonyms

homoplasy
vshomomorphy
  • Specialized
9.9

A trait that appears on its own in different species not from a common ancestor

focuses on general similarity of form rather than specific evolutionary origin
isomorphy
vshomomorphy
  • Specialized
9.9

Similarity in shape and structure between different living things

emphasizes similarity that occurs despite lack of close relation or function
isomorphism
vshomomorphy
  • Specialized
9.9

A similarity of shape or structure across organisms and their parts

stresses similarity even when organisms are not closely related
alikeness
vshomomorphy
6.8

The fact of being similar in how something looks or behaves

is a technical label for similarity often used when items are unrelated

Surface Forms

homomorphy singular
homomorphies plural

Morphology

homomorphy = homomorph (transparent) = homo + morph + y

The noun is formed by adding the productive noun-forming suffix '-y' to the base 'homomorph', and the meaning 'state of same form' follows directly from 'homo-' (same) + 'morph' (form).

Etymology

The word homomorphy comes from Greek parts homo- 'same' and -morph 'shape', so it literally means 'same shape'. Think of the homo- in homogeneous 'all the same' to help you remember that homomorphy describes different animals or objects that have a similar shape even when they are not related.