Polymorph (Noun)
Meaning
An organism that can assume more than one adult form as in the castes of ants or termites.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The queen ant is a polymorph that differs significantly from the worker ants in terms of size and reproductive capabilities.
- In some species of termites, the soldiers are a distinct polymorph with enlarged heads and mandibles.
- The larvae of certain insects can develop into different polymorphs depending on environmental factors such as nutrition and temperature.
- The reproductive polymorph of the aphid is typically larger and more colorful than the non-reproductive forms.
- In some species of wasps, the males are a polymorph that differs from the females in terms of body shape and coloration.