polytopism (polytopic evolution) A taxonomic anomaly in which a (usually infraspecific) taxon occurs in more than one place. It may indicate that a more derived subspecies or species has evolved in an intervening area, or that parallel evolution has occurred to make the two or more separated populations appear alike.

polytopism (polytopic evolution) A type of monophyletism in which a new (polytopic) taxon arises in more than one place from conspecific parents. The chances of this happening simultaneously, except perhaps in the case of subspecies, in each instance are remote; polytopic species may therefore be regarded also as polychronic species.

polytopism(polytopic evolution) A type of monophyletism (see monophyletic) in which a new (polytopic) taxon arises in more than one place from conspecific parents. The chances of this happening simultaneously in each instance, except perhaps in the case of subspecies, are remote; polytopic species may therefore be regarded also as polychronic species.