Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in species of different periods or epochs in time. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups.

What does the term homoplasy mean?

A homoplasy is a character shared by a set of species but not present in their common ancestor. A good example is the evolution of the eye which has originated independently in many different species. When this happens it is sometimes called a convergence.

Which is the best definition of homoplasy?

A homoplasy is a shared character between two or more animals that did not arise from a common ancestor. Often, a homoplasy will occur when two very different groups of animals evolve to do the same thing. ... This is known as convergent evolution, or convergence.