metagenetic

A metagenetic life cycle involves both asexual and sexual reproduction phases.

Definition

Adjective - Biology: Relating to or characterized by metagenesis, which is the alternation of generations in the life cycle of certain organisms (e.g., plants, animals, or algae), where one generation reproduces sexually and the next reproduces asexually.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

• "metagenetic cycle": the specific pattern of alternating generations in a species.

  • The metagenetic cycle of the fern involves both a sporophyte and a gametophyte phase.

• "metagenetic species": a species that undergoes alternation of generations.

  • Some metagenetic species have complex life histories that span multiple habitats.

Variants and Related Words

• Metagenesis (noun): the biological phenomenon of alternation of generations.

  • Metagenesis is distinct from metamorphosis, which involves changes within a single generation.

• Metagenetic (adjective): as defined above; also sometimes spelled "metagenetical" (rare).

Synonyms

• Alternating-generational: describing the alternation of sexual and asexual phases.
• Heterogonic: relating to a life cycle with alternating generations (especially in some insects and parasites).

Related Idioms