trimorphism
noun
the occurrence of three forms distinct in structure, coloration, etc., among animals of the same species.
trimorphic
-
a word derived from
trimorphism.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the character and hybrid-like nature of the offspring from the illegitimate unions of dimorphic and trimorphic plants.
From Life of Charles Darwin by G. T. (George Thomas) Bettany
Therefore with trimorphic species six of the eighteen unions yield legitimate offspring, and twelve yield illegitimate offspring.
From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Charles Darwin
If Natural Selection could not accumulate varying degrees of sterility for the plant's benefit, then how did sterility ever come to be associated with one cross of a trimorphic plant rather than another?
From Alfred Russel Wallace: Letters and Reminiscences, Vol. 1 by James Marchant
Fritz Muller formerly believed that a species of Oxalis, which is so abundant in St. Catharina that it borders the roads for miles, was dimorphic instead of trimorphic.
From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Charles Darwin
Like L. salicaria, it is trimorphic, and the three forms apparently occur in about equal numbers.
From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Charles Darwin
