metamerism

(noun)

the segmentation of the body into similar discrete units

Related Terms

Examples of metamerism in the following topics:

  • Phylum Annelida

    • Annelids show protostomic development in embryonic stages and are often called "segmented worms" due to their key characteristic of metamerism, or true segmentation.
    • Metamerism allows animals to become bigger by adding "compartments," while making their movement more efficient.
    • This metamerism is thought to arise from identical teloblast cells in the embryonic stage, which develop into identical mesodermal structures.