Heterogjene

Heterogjene, typically rendered in English as heterogeneity, refers to the quality or condition of being composed of unlike elements. The term derives from Greek heteros “different” and genos “kind.” In general usage it denotes non-uniformity across a system or set.

In statistics and meta-analysis, heterogeneity describes variation in results beyond what would be expected by chance. It can arise from differences in populations, interventions, or study designs. Quantitative measures such as I-squared and tau-squared are used to assess the degree of heterogeneity and to inform whether pooled estimates are appropriate.

In materials science and geology, heterogeneity refers to the presence of distinct phases or constituents within a material or rock, such as particles, grain boundaries, or mineral components. This non-uniform composition affects properties like strength, conductivity, permeability, and failure behavior.

In ecology, biology, and social sciences, heterogeneity denotes variation in habitats, resources, phenotypes, or behaviors across space or time, as well as variation among individuals or groups. It influences ecological processes, treatment responses, and policy outcomes, and is often modeled using statistical approaches that allow for non-uniform effects.