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metagenesis

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌmɛtəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/

KK: /mɛtəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/

noun
Definition

A biological process where organisms alternate between sexual and asexual reproduction across generations.


Example

The life cycle of certain jellyfish demonstrates metagenesis, as they switch between sexual and asexual forms.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about metagenesis in biology?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's fascinating how some organisms switch between sexual and asexual reproduction.
Sloth A
Exactly! I read that it helps with survival in different environments.
Sloth B
Right, it makes sense for species to adapt that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
generation
reproduction
cycle
Antonyms
stagnation
uniformity
monogenesis
Root Explanation

Metagenesis → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning change or transformation) and "genesis" (from Greek "genesis", meaning origin or creation). The word describes a process of change in the origin or development of something, particularly in biological contexts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meta-' meaning change and 'genesis' meaning origin — together they describe a process of transformation in development.

Visually Confused Words
meagerness
agenesis
mycetogenesis
gametogenesis
merogenesis
ketogenesis
katagenesis
ectogenesis
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