Isomorphism (Noun)
Meaning
(biology) similarity or identity of form or shape or structure.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The concept of isomorphism in molecular biology refers to the phenomenon where different amino acid sequences adopt nearly identical three-dimensional structures.
- The vestigial limbs of whales exhibit isomorphism with the limbs of their terrestrial ancestors, despite no longer being functional.
- Comparative anatomists have identified numerous examples of isomorphism between the skeletons of different vertebrate groups, such as the forelimbs of birds and mammals.
- Isomorphism can be observed in the uniform morphology of the body segments of many invertebrate animals, such as the repeating rings of an earthworm's body.
- Phylogenetic analysis often relies on identifying isomorphism between the developmental processes of related species, allowing researchers to infer evolutionary relationships.