noun
- organisms that display similar physical characteristics due to environmental factors rather than genetic similarity
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- The two plant varieties were phenocopies, appearing identical despite having different genetic backgrounds.
- Environmental stress can create phenocopies that mimic genetic mutations.
- Researchers must distinguish between true genetic variants and phenocopies in their studies.
- Temperature changes during development produced phenocopies of known genetic disorders.
- The similar wing patterns were phenocopies caused by exposure to the same chemicals.
- Scientists identified several phenocopies among the experimental group.