Polyclimax 



The concept that several Climaxes (q. v.) constitute the 

 vegetation in an area as the result of Succession (q. v.). 



Polyembryony 



In animals the development of more than one embryo 

 from a fertilized egg; in plants the development of more than 

 one embryo within a single Ovule of a plant. 



Polygamy 



The mating of one male animal with several females, 

 cf. Monogamy, Polygyny. 



Polygonal Soil 



The surface configuration of soil characterized by poly- 

 gons, common in arctic regions. 



Polygyny 



Mating by Polyandry or Polygamy (q. v.). 



Polymorphism 



The presence of several distinct forms in a species, 

 particularly within a certain habitat or population, cf. 

 Pleomorphic. 



Polyploid 



An organism or a cell that contains more than the 

 Diploid number of Chromosomes per cell. cf. Haploid, 

 Tetraploid. 



Polysaprobic 



Refers to an aquatic habitat that is characterized by con- 

 siderable decomposition of organic material and low con- 

 centration or absence of free oxygen, cf. Catarobic, Mesosa- 

 probic, Oligosaprobic. 



Pol/topic 



Refers to a species that occurs in more than one area, 

 especially to Discontinuities (q. v.). 



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