Gonosomal

/ˌɡɒnəˈsoʊməl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or affecting the gonosome, the reproductive body or structure in certain organisms.

Etymology

From 'gono-' (reproductive) + 'soma' (body) + '-al' (relating to). Emerged in 19th-century zoology to describe sex-linked or reproductive somatic structures.

Kelly Says

Some sea creatures like certain jellyfish have specialized reproductive 'bodies' that are almost separate organisms—gonosomal changes can dramatically alter whether an animal reproduces or not.

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