1. The similarity of structures or traits in different organisms that arose independently through evolution rather than from a common ancestor.
Usage: biology; evolutionary biology

Examples

• The wings of birds and insects are examples of homoplasy because they evolved separately to serve the same function.
• Scientists must distinguish between homoplasy and homology when constructing evolutionary trees.
• The streamlined body shape of dolphins and sharks demonstrates homoplasy in marine vertebrates.
• Homoplasy can complicate phylogenetic analysis by making unrelated species appear more closely related than they actually are.
• The development of eyes in octopuses and vertebrates is a classic case of homoplasy in the animal kingdom.