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Chimerism, also known as a genetic chimera and sometimes nicknamed "half-sider", is a phenomena in which a single creature contains cells from multiple different zygotes, or the creature's ovum. it has been observed in many kinds of organisms, not just limited to animals, as well as in humans.

The visual effects of genetic chimerism can vary from drastic to incredibly minor or even not visible. They can be as drastic as causing a creature to appear as if they had parts of seperate animals put together into one, such as visually having both sexed plumage on one body, as seen on animals such as budgies and butterflies. Subtle forms of it can even be as minor and subtle as heterochromia or a multicolored coat. In some cases it isn't visually obvious to the naked eye whatsoever, such as having multiple blood types rather than a single one.

In artwork, chimeras are often depicted as having evenly split colors, often with heterochromia. In the real world, chimerism can only be confirmed through genetic testing, though typically impossible color combinations are a factor used to suspect it.

Please note that split-face tortie cats are not inherently chimeric. If their entire body is split, then that is more fitting for this tag under TWYS. Split-face torties, on the other hand, are an uncommon but normal tortie variant.

See also

• albino
• bilateral_gynandromorphism
• leucism
• melanistic
• piebald

Not to be confused with

• chimera - fictional hybridized creatures seen in mythology and popular media.