metagenesis

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metagenesis The occurrence, during the life cycle of an organism, of two types of individual, both diploid, both of which reproduce, one sexually and the other asexually. The term is sometimes used loosely (but incorrectly) as a synonym for the alternation of generations. For example, the life cycle of hydrozoans (e.g. Obelia geniculata) comprises an asexual sedentary generation followed by a sexual medusoid generation, both of which are diploid. The medusoid individuals then become sedentary (and asexual).

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