polümorfisme

Polymorphism is a fundamental concept in computer science and biology, referring to the ability of entities to take on multiple forms or exhibit different behaviors under varying conditions. In computer science, polymorphism is a feature of object-oriented programming that allows methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon, even though they share the same name. This concept is typically achieved through method overriding and method overloading.

In biology, polymorphism refers to the occurrence of multiple distinct forms or stages within a population. This can be observed in various organisms, such as insects, where different individuals within a species may exhibit different color patterns or structures. Polymorphism can also occur in plants, where different individuals of the same species may have varying leaf shapes or flower colors.

The term "polymorphism" is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "morph," meaning form. This concept is crucial in both fields as it highlights the diversity and adaptability of systems, whether they are software applications or living organisms. Understanding polymorphism is essential for developers to create flexible and reusable code, and for biologists to study the genetic and environmental factors that influence the diversity of species.