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Homotely

"Homo" pronounced as in "homology", i.e. "hO-'mä-tel-E".
From "homo", same; "teleos", goal, purpose. Adj. homotelic.

Similarity in unrelated structures due to common design considerations. Homotelic structures might include the eyes of vertebrates and invertebrates, or the archaeal and eubacterial flagella.

Current evolutionary biology distinguishes between homology and convergence, where the former denotes similiarity due to common descent, and the latter describes independently evolved similarities. In the absence of established phylogenetic lines, homology is often determined only by ruling out convergence (or vice versa). Homotely represents a third category for design-researchers to investigate.

Web Resources On Homotely

"Convergence or Divergence?" (Brainstorm discussion)

Editor(s): Krauze

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