1. reproduction or generation of offspring that differ markedly from their parents; alternation of generations in which successive generations differ in form or structure
Usage: biology; formal
2. the quality or state of being heterogeneous; diversity in origin or composition
Usage: rare; archaic

Examples

• The jellyfish exhibits heterogeny, with its medusa and polyp forms representing different life stages.
• Heterogeny in certain insects allows them to produce offspring with entirely different morphologies.
• The biologist studied heterogeny to understand how organisms can undergo dramatic transformations across generations.
• Some plants demonstrate heterogeny through their alternating gametophyte and sporophyte generations.
• The concept of heterogeny was important in early evolutionary biology before modern genetics emerged.