Demorphism

/diːˈmɔːrfɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The loss or absence of a distinct form or shape, especially in biology when an organism loses distinctive features of its species.

Etymology

From de- (remove) + morphism (from Greek morphe, meaning 'form' or 'shape'). The suffix -ism indicates a condition or state.

Kelly Says

In evolutionary biology, demorphism is the opposite of polymorphism—instead of having many forms, organisms lose their distinctive shapes, which can happen when species become simplified or degenerate over time.

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