heterogenesis /-jen″əsis/ [Gk, heteros + genein, to produce] , reproduction that differs in successive generations, such as the alternation of sexual and asexual reproduction, so that offspring have characteristics different from those of the parents. In the asexual stage, it often involves one or more parthenogenetic or hermaphroditic generations, often with various hosts, as in the case of many trematode parasites. Also called heterogamy, heterogeny, heterogony. Compare homogenesis. See also asexual reproduction, abiogenesis, metagenesis. −heterogenic, heterogenetic, adj.
