Heteromorphosis

/ˌhɛtərəmɔrˈfoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

The development or regeneration of an organism into a form different from its normal type.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' (different), 'morph' (form), and '-osis' (condition), describing abnormal transformational processes.

Kelly Says

Some sea creatures exhibit heteromorphosis—if a starfish loses an arm, it might grow back slightly different, showing how flexible animal development can be.

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