Definition

Referring to organisms that complete different stages of their life cycle on different hosts, which are often not related to each other.

Example

Some species of fungi are heteroecious, requiring multiple host plants to complete their life cycle.

Conversation

Have you heard about the heteroecious nature of some fungi?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how they can live on different hosts during their life cycle.

I never realized how complex their life stages could be!

Right? It’s amazing how nature works in such diverse ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heteroecious → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "oikos" (meaning house or habitat). The term describes organisms that have different hosts or habitats during their life cycle.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') habitats or hosts that an organism might need to thrive.

Visually Confused Words