heteromorphism

/ˌhɛtəroʊˈmɔːrfɪzəm/
noun
  1. The quality or state of having different forms, shapes, or structures, especially within the same species or life cycle.
    • Sexual heteromorphism is obvious in peacocks, where males have bright feathers and females are dull.
    • The biologist studied heteromorphism in plants where leaves change shape as they age.
    • Heteromorphism in butterflies means the caterpillar looks nothing like the adult.
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