Polymorphisms refer to the occurrence of two or more distinct forms or variations within a species. In genetics, this often involves variations in DNA sequences among individuals, which can lead to differences in traits such as eye color or susceptibility to diseases. These variations can be caused by mutations, insertions, or deletions in the genetic code. In addition to genetic polymorphisms, the term can also apply to other fields, such as chemistry, where it describes different structural forms of a compound. For example, carbon can exist as both diamond and graphite, showcasing how the same substance can have different physical properties based on its arrangement of atoms.