1. Plural of heterogony; systems or instances of reproduction or breeding in which different forms or types produce offspring with varying characteristics, especially in plants with different flower structures.
Usage: technical; biology; botany
2. In zoology, alternation of generations or polymorphism in which different individuals or generations have distinct forms or reproductive strategies.
Usage: technical; zoology

Examples

• The heterogonies observed in primrose flowers allow for cross-pollination between different morphs.
• Researchers studied the heterogonies of the plant species to understand its breeding system.
• The heterogonies in certain insect populations demonstrate complex life-cycle variations.
• Botanists documented several heterogonies within the genus to explain reproductive diversity.