Coenotype

/ˈsiːnoʊtaɪp/ noun

Definition

A group of organisms sharing common genetic or phenotypic characteristics within a coenospecies; a subdivision based on shared traits.

Etymology

From Greek koinos (common) + typos (type/pattern), used in biology to classify organisms that share characteristics within a larger breeding group.

Kelly Says

Think of a coenotype as a club within a species—members share some special trait (maybe coloring or size) that unites them, even though they can breed with the whole species.

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