polymorphism

Term: polymorphism

Literally meaning: “having multiple forms"

Origin: Anc Greek

πολύ-/poly-(=many, several)

+ μορφή/morphe(=shape, form)

Coined/History

The first polymorphism was recorded in 1900 by Landsteiner and it was the ABO blood group polymorphisms.

Definition

(genetics) Polymorphisms are  differences in nucleotide sequence at the same locus among individuals without obvious pathological effect.

(biology) Polymorphism are genetic variations in a paricular species which express different phenotypes (subtypes).