What is "heterogenesis"

Heterogenesis \Het`er*o*gen"e*sis\, n. [Hetero- + genesis.]

1. (Biol.) Spontaneous generation, so called.

2. (Biol.) That method of reproduction in which the successive generations differ from each other, the parent organism producing offspring different in habit and structure from itself, the original form, however, reappearing after one or more generations; -- opposed to homogenesis, or gamogenesis.

n. 1 (context biology English) abnormal organic development. 2 (context biology English) The birth of a living being from a parent of a different kind; having two different forms in the life cycle.

n. the alternation of two or more different forms in the life cycle of a plant or animal [syn: alternation of generations, xenogenesis]