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heteromorphism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌhɛtəroʊˈmɔːfɪzəm/

KK: /hɛtəroʊˈmɔrfɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A condition or characteristic where different forms or types exist within the same species or group.


Example

The study of heteromorphism helps scientists understand how species adapt to different environments.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that some animals exhibit heteromorphism?
Sloth B
Really? What does that mean exactly?
Sloth A
It means they can have different forms or shapes at different stages of their life.
Sloth B
That's so interesting! Nature is full of surprises.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
diversity
variation
divergence
Antonyms
uniformity
sameness
conformity
Root Explanation

Heteromorphism → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "morphe" (meaning form or shape). The word describes the condition of having different forms or shapes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') forms ('morphe') to remember that 'heteromorphism' refers to having different shapes or forms.

Visually Confused Words
theromorphism
theriomorphism
heautomorphism
theomorphism
geromorphism
tetramorphism
hypermorphism
homeomorphism
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