alternating generations

Pronunciation
/awl-ter-NAY-ting jen-er-RAY-shuns/
Category
Lifecycle

Definition

A biological process in which an organism alternates between two distinct forms in its lifecycle, typically involving sexual and asexual reproduction phases.

Etymology

From Latin 'alternatus', the past participle of 'alternare' meaning 'to do by turns,' and 'generatio' meaning 'to beget'.

Example

Many aphids exhibit alternating generations, switching between parthenogenetic (asexual) and sexual reproduction depending on environmental conditions.

Synonyms

Related Terms

Usage Notes

While more commonly associated with plants and some algae, alternating generations can be observed in certain insects under specific ecological conditions.