Heterogenesis

[,hetәrәu'dʒenәsis]

Definition

(n.) Spontaneous generation, so called.

(n.) That method of reproduction in which the successive generations differ from each other, the parent organism producing offspring different in habit and structure from itself, the original form, however, reappearing after one or more generations; -- opposed to homogenesis, or gamogenesis.

Editor: Tracy

Definition

n. (biol.) spontaneous generation abiogenesis: generation in which the offspring differs in structure and habit from the parent animal or plant the ancestral characteristics however ultimately reappearing—Xenogenesis and Alternate generation are other names—also Heterog′eny.—adj. Heterogenet′ic.

Edited by Colin