heterogenesis
/,hetərou'dʤenisis/
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Definition
Noun: 1. The alternation of two or more different forms in the life cycle of a plant or animal: This term refers to a biological process where successive generations of an organism exhibit different modes of reproduction or markedly different forms. It often involves an alternation between sexual and asexual generations.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The study of heterogenesis in certain algae reveals a complex life cycle involving both motile and sessile stages.
- In some parasites, heterogenesis is observed as an alternation between a host-specific sexual phase and a free-living asexual phase.
- The textbook described heterogenesis as a key concept for understanding the reproductive strategies of many invertebrates.
Advanced Usage
- In biological theory: The concept is sometimes discussed in contrast to homogeneous reproduction, where generations are similar.
- The phenomenon of heterogenesis challenges the idea of a single, fixed life cycle for a species.
Variants and Related Words
- Heterogenetic (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by heterogenesis.
- The researcher focused on the heterogenetic cycle of the fern.
- Alternation of generations: A closely related, more general term for the alternation between sexual (gametophyte) and asexual (sporophyte) phases in plants and some algae.
Synonyms
- Alternation of generations (This is the most direct and commonly used synonym in modern biology).
- Metagenesis (Often used interchangeably, particularly in zoology for animals like cnidarians).
Notes on Meaning
This is a specialized scientific term. Its core meaning is consistent across contexts, referring specifically to the alternation of dissimilar forms or reproductive methods in a life cycle. It is not used in everyday language.
Noun
- the alternation of two or more different forms in the life cycle of a plant or animal