Trophogenic polymorphism

Pronunciation
/troh-foh-JEN-ik pah-lee-MOR-fiz-um/
Category
Developmental Biology

Definition

A type of polyphenism where different morphs arise due to differences in food availability or quality during development.

Etymology

From Greek 'trophos', meaning 'nourishment' and 'polymorphism', meaning 'many forms'.

Example

The larvae of some insect species, like ants and bees, exhibit trophogenic polymorphism, where food availability and quality determine whether they develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductive individuals.

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