noun
- alternation of generations in the life cycle of an organism, especially the alternation between sexual and asexual reproductive phases
Usage: biology
Examples
- The jellyfish exhibits metagenesis, alternating between polyp and medusa stages.
- Many cnidarians undergo metagenesis as part of their complex life cycle.
- Students studied metagenesis in marine biology to understand reproductive strategies.
- The researcher documented metagenesis in several species of hydrozoans.
- Metagenesis allows organisms to exploit different ecological niches during their development.
- The textbook explained how metagenesis differs from simple sexual reproduction.