metamerism
- noun
- /ˌmɛtəˈmɛrɪzəm/
- Specialized
- Earthworms are a classic example of animals that show metamerism in their body structure.
Examples
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In biology class, we learned how metamerism is important for movement in segmented animals.
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The study of metamerism helps scientists understand the evolution of complex organisms.
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The concept of metamerism is fascinating.
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Many animals show metamerism.
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Earthworms are a classic example of animals that show metamerism in their body structure.
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In biology class, we learned how metamerism is important for movement in segmented animals.
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The study of metamerism helps scientists understand the segmentation of various organisms.
Surface Forms
Morphology
metamerism = metamer (opaque) = metamer + ism
Even though the biological sense relates to repeated segments, the base 'metamer' is specialized technical vocabulary and not likely known by average learners.
Etymology
Metamerism comes from the Greek parts meta- 'change', seen in metamorphosis, and meros 'part'. In biology it means the body is made of repeated 'parts' or segments, so the name points to a series of similar parts in the animal.
