Isomorphism (biology)

For other uses, see Isomorphism (disambiguation).

In biology, an isomorphism is a similarity of form or structure between organisms, generally between organisms with independent ancestries, e.g. after convergent evolution. Two organisms exhibiting isomorphism are referred to as isomorphs.[1]

The separate evolution of camera eyes in vertebrates and cephalopods (and insects, and many more, in as many as fifty separate instances), is an example of isomorphism. So is the evolution of wings in insects, pterosaurs, birds, and bats.

References

  1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Isomorphism


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 9/22/2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.