Pronunciation: [ˌɔːtə͡ʊɡˈamɪk] (IPA) 
Autogamic is a word used to describe organisms that fertilize themselves. The spelling of this word is derived from two Greek roots, "auto-" meaning "self" and "gamos" meaning "marriage". The stress in this word falls on the second syllable "ga-" (AW-tuh-GAM-ik), with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a short "i" sound in the third syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of "autogamic" is /ˌɔː.təʊˈɡæ.mɪk/.
The term "autogamic" refers to a biological process or reproductive strategy observed in certain organisms. It specifically pertains to the act of self-fertilization, where an organism is capable of fertilizing its own gametes or reproductive cells. The term is derived from the Greek words "autos" meaning "self" and "gamos" meaning "marriage" or "union."
Autogamy can occur in various living organisms, including plants, animals, and protists. In autogamic plants, for instance, it involves the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma within the same flower or between different flowers of the same individual plant. This allows for the fusion of the male and female reproductive cells, leading to the formation of seeds or fruits.
The autogamic strategy provides several advantages for organisms that employ it. It ensures reproduction even in the absence of a compatible mate, increasing the chances of successful reproduction. It also promotes genetic stability, as it limits the intake of foreign genetic material. However, it can also limit genetic diversity and potentially hinder adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Autogamy is often contrasted with allogamy, which refers to the fertilization of reproductive cells between different individuals. Many organisms may display a combination of autogamic and allogamic reproductive mechanisms, depending on factors such as availability of mates, environmental conditions, and evolutionary pressures.
The term "autogamic" is derived from the Greek word "autogamos", which is a combination of "auto", meaning "self", and "gamos", meaning "marriage" or "union". The word "autogamic" is used to describe a process or characteristic in which self-fertilization or self-pollination occurs in plants or organisms.
