ANISOGAMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "anisogamous" is an adjective used in biology to describe a specific reproductive strategy observed in some organisms, particularly in plants and animals. It refers to a type of sexual reproduction in which the two individuals involved in reproduction - often referred to as gametes - differ in size and/or form.
In anisogamous reproduction, the gametes are classified into two distinct factions, namely the smaller male gametes and the larger female gametes. This discrepancy in size or morphology often indicates that the reproductive roles of the individuals involved are not identical, with one being more active in terms of mobility and the other being more passive.
Anisogamous reproduction differs from isogamous reproduction, where two individuals produce similar-sized gametes. The anisogamous strategy is prevalent in numerous organisms, such as plants (e.g., mosses and ferns), algae (e.g., diatoms and green algae), and animals (e.g., mammals, insects, and birds).
The evolution of anisogamy often correlates with the development of distinct sexual characteristics, such as distinct genitalia or sexual dimorphism, where males and females possess differing physical traits or appearances. These differences in reproductive strategy, gamete size, and morphology allow for a wide range of adaptations, such as enhancing reproductive success, promoting sexual selection, or optimizing nutrient provisioning to offspring.
Common Misspellings for ANISOGAMOUS
Etymology of ANISOGAMOUS
The word "anisogamous" is derived from Greek origins. It combines the prefix "aniso-", which means unequal or dissimilar, with the word "gamous", meaning reproduction or uniting of gametes. In the context of reproductive biology, anisogamy refers to a form of sexual reproduction where individuals produce different-sized gametes (reproductive cells), typically classified as "male" (small, mobile, often referred to as sperm) and "female" (large, immobile, often referred to as eggs or ova). "Anisogamous" is an adjective form of anisogamy, describing the characteristic or quality of anisogamy.
Similar spelling words for ANISOGAMOUS
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