Digenesis

/daɪˈdʒɛnəsɪs/ noun

Definition

Reproduction or development involving two distinct stages or generations, particularly in parasites with complex lifecycles.

Etymology

From di- (two) + genesis (origin/creation), from Greek genesis. Describes the two-stage development characterizing certain parasitic organisms.

Kelly Says

Digenesis in parasites is like a biological identity swap—the organism looks and behaves completely differently in stage one versus stage two, as if it's two different creatures.

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