haplod

Haplod is a neologism primarily used in speculative biology and theoretical population genetics to denote a discrete haploid genomic state that can be transitioned to and from other ploidy levels within an organism or simulation. It is not an established term in mainstream genetics, and its precise meaning varies by author.

In many usages, haplod is described as a modeling construct rather than a real organismal state. A haplod carries a single set of chromosomes and exhibits gene-dosage effects comparable to those seen in haploid cells. It may participate in lifecycle transitions reminiscent of haplodiploidy or other ploidy-regulation schemes. In computational models, haplod units serve to explore how ploidy changes influence mutation dynamics, selection, and population structure. In fiction and world-building, haplod can designate a species or cellular form with a switchable haploid state that influences reproduction and development.

Because haplod is not standardized, definitions and constraints are defined by the author or framework in which it appears.

See also: haploid, diploid, haplodiploidy, ploidy.