alternate generation

alternate generation (plural alternate generations)

1. (biology) Each of the two forms of an organism whose life cycle involves alternation of generations, or the fact of such alternation occurring in a given organism. [from 19th c.]
   • 1868, Charles Darwin, The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication:

     If, instead of a single individual, several were to be thus developed metagenetically within a pre-existing form, the process would be called one of alternate generation.

   • 2011, David Krough, Biology: A Guide to the Natural World, 5th edition, page 472:

     On the female side, the alternate generation is a small collection of cells, called an embryo sac, that is hidden away deep inside the reproductive parts of the maple tree.

• alternation of generations