Allelomorphism

/ˌæləloʊˈmɔrfɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The condition or property of being allelomorphic; the state of existing in multiple alternative forms.

Etymology

From 'allelomorph' plus the suffix '-ism' denoting a condition or theory. Early genetics terminology (1900s-1920s) before 'allelism' became standard.

Kelly Says

Allelomorphism describes one of biology's great discoveries—that traits aren't infinitely variable but come in discrete packages! This realization transformed biology from descriptive to mathematical.

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