Anisogamy is a term used to describe the difference in size and shape between male and female reproductive cells. The word is pronounced /ˌænɪˈsɒɡəmi/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" at the beginning is pronounced with the "short a" sound, as in "hat". The "i" is pronounced with the "short i" sound, as in "hit". The "s" is pronounced with a "voiced s" sound, as in "azure". The "o" is pronounced with the "short o" sound, as in "hot". The "g" is pronounced with a "soft g" sound, as in "gel". The "y" is pronounced with the "long e" sound, as in "eager". The final syllable is pronounced with the "short i" sound, as in "hit
Anisogamy is a term used in biology and reproductive science to describe the difference between the size and/or structure of the gametes (reproductive cells) of males and females in a species. Specifically, it refers to the existence of two distinct types of gametes, known as anisogametes, which differ in size, shape, or other features such as motility.
In anisogamous species, the smaller, more mobile gametes are typically produced by males and are referred to as sperm cells, while the larger, typically immobile gametes are produced by females and are referred to as eggs or ova. This difference in gamete size and mobility is a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction and is important for the successful fertilization and development of offspring.
Anisogamy is commonly observed in many organisms, including plants, animals, and protists. The evolutionary significance of anisogamy lies in the fact that it enables the development of diverse reproductive strategies, such as internal fertilization or external fertilization, as well as different mating systems. These variations in reproductive strategies allow for increased genetic diversity within a species and enhance the chances of survival and adaptation in changing environments.
Overall, anisogamy represents a significant evolutionary divergence in reproductive strategies and plays a crucial role in the perpetuation and evolution of sexually reproducing organisms.
Fusion of two gametes unequal in size or form; fertilization as distinguished from isogamy or conjugation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "anisogamy" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "aniso" (ἄνισος), meaning "unequal", and "gamos" (γάμος), meaning "marriage" or "union". The term was first coined in the field of biology in the early 20th century to describe the reproductive system found in many organisms where gametes (reproductive cells) of different sizes and/or forms unite during sexual reproduction. Anisogamy refers to the condition of having two distinct types of gametes, usually referred to as "small" (male) and "large" (female), creating a contrast in size, structure, or behavior.