The condition of having the physical characteristics of a worker form, especially in insects that may have hidden reproductive capacity.
From 'ergatomorphic' plus '-ism,' naming the broader phenomenon of worker-like morphology independent of actual reproductive status.
Ergatomorphism shows us that what you see isn't always what you get—some insects literally wear a worker disguise while secretly being able to reproduce, which is one of nature's sneakiest survival tricks.
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