HETEROGENESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Heterogenesis, also known as "alternation of generations," refers to a phenomenon seen in reproduction and development where there is a change in the mode of reproduction or the type of offspring produced across generations. This term is commonly used in biology and specifically in the study of life cycles of certain organisms.
In heterogenesis, the offspring produced by an organism are distinct from the parents in terms of their method of production or life cycle stage. This can involve a switch between asexual and sexual reproduction, as well as changes in the number or types of chromosomes or the ploidy level of the offspring. Heterogenesis is often observed in organisms such as plants, fungi, algae, and some invertebrates.
This reproductive alternation allows for genetic diversity, increases adaptation to changing environments, and sometimes helps to boost the fitness of the species. Heterogenesis may involve distinct generations within the life cycle of an organism, with one generation producing offspring asexually and another generation producing offspring sexually. This can lead to different morphological features, reproductive strategies, and even ecological roles within the species.
In summary, heterogenesis is a biological phenomenon characterized by a change in the mode of reproduction or the type of offspring produced across generations. It involves a switch between asexual and sexual reproduction, resulting in distinct generations with unique characteristics and life cycle stages.
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1. The production of offspring unlike the parents. 2. Spontaneous generation, aliogenesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HETEROGENESIS
- geterogenesis
- beterogenesis
- neterogenesis
- jeterogenesis
- ueterogenesis
- yeterogenesis
- hwterogenesis
- hsterogenesis
- hdterogenesis
- hrterogenesis
- h4terogenesis
- h3terogenesis
- hererogenesis
- heferogenesis
- hegerogenesis
- heyerogenesis
- he6erogenesis
- he5erogenesis
- hetwrogenesis
Etymology of HETEROGENESIS
The word heterogenesis is derived from two Greek roots: hetero, meaning different or other, and genesis, meaning origin or creation. Combining these roots, heterogenesis literally translates to different origin or different creation.
Similar spelling words for HETEROGENESIS
- heterogenous,
- heterogeneity,
- heteroicous,
- heterocycle,
- heterograft,
- heterogeneous,
- heterosexualism,
- heterozygous,
- heterosexism,
- heteroscelus,
- heteroecious.
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