Polygenesis

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌpɒlɪˈd͡ʒɛnəsɪs/

Definitions

1. The term describes a scenario where distinct evolutionary processes lead to the independent origin of similar traits in different species or organisms
2. The concept that similar characteristics or species arise separately through different evolutionary paths
3. A theory proposing that traits or species can develop independently in different populations without a shared recent ancestor

Etymology: "Polygenesis" is simply "poly-" (from Greek "polys", "many") joined to "-genesis" (from Greek "genesis", "origin" or "coming into being"), so it literally means "many origins." The "-genesis" element is the same one found in "genesis" itself, and in "biogenesis" and "abiogenesis," so the formation is a transparent Greek compound rather than something unusual. The word's value lies in its use. It describes the idea that a trait, a belief, a language or a technology arose independently in several places rather than spreading from a single source, and it is most often set against "monogenesis," the single-origin view. The pairing lets scholars state a claim about origins without having to explain each case in full.