digenesis
Definition
Noun (Biology): The alternation of sexual and asexual generations in the life cycle of an organism. This is a form of reproduction where one generation reproduces sexually and the next reproduces asexually, and the pattern repeats.
Usage
The term is used in biological contexts to describe complex life cycles, particularly in certain parasites, plants, and invertebrates. * The life cycle of many parasitic flatworms involves digenesis, with a sexual phase in the definitive host and asexual phases in intermediate hosts. * Understanding digenesis is crucial for controlling diseases caused by organisms with such reproductive cycles.
Advanced Usage
- Adjectival Form: Digenetic. This describes an organism or life cycle characterized by digenesis.
- Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, has a digenetic life cycle involving both mosquitoes and humans.
Variants and Related Words
- Metagenesis: Often used synonymously with digenesis, especially in zoology, to describe the alternation of generations.
- Heterogamy: A broader term that can include digenesis, referring to the alternation of differently generated forms.
Synonyms
- Alternation of generations
- Metagenesis (in specific contexts)
Antonyms
- Monogenesis (reproduction by a single, consistent method, either solely sexual or solely asexual)
Noun
-
alternation of sexual and asexual generations
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