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
- Heterogamy
- Metagenesis
Related Terms
- parthenogenesis
- Sexual reproduction
- Asexual reproduction
- Lifecycle
Usage Notes
While more commonly associated with plants and some algae, alternating generations can be observed in certain insects under specific ecological conditions.