How Do You Spell MONOTOCOUS?

Pronunciation: [mənətˈɒkəs] (IPA)

The word "monotocous" is an adjective that describes an organism that bears only one offspring at a time. The pronunciation of this word is mɑnə'towkəs. The first syllable "mo" is pronounced as "mɑ", the middle syllable is pronounced as "nuh", and the final syllable is pronounced as "tow-kuhs". The spelling of this word can be difficult to remember, but its meaning is important in understanding the reproductive behavior of certain animals.

MONOTOCOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Monotocous is an adjective that refers to an organism's ability to produce only a single offspring per reproductive cycle, pregnancy, or birth. The term is commonly used in the field of biology to describe organisms that typically give birth to or lay one offspring at a time.

    Monotocous species exhibit a reproductive pattern characterized by the production of a single offspring at a time. This stands in contrast to polytocous species, which can produce multiple offspring during a single reproductive event. Monotocous organisms invest more energy and resources in the development and nurturing of a single offspring, ensuring its survival and increasing the chances of successful reproduction.

    Monotocous reproductive strategies can be observed in various animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and even some invertebrates. For example, humans are considered monotocous as they typically give birth to one baby at a time. Similarly, many species of birds, such as eagles and penguins, lay and hatch one egg per breeding season, displaying a monotocous reproductive behavior.

    The term "monotocous" is derived from the Greek words "monos," meaning "single," and "tokos," meaning "birth" or "offspring." This compound word accurately captures the essence of the concept, highlighting the focus on the production of a solitary progeny.

Common Misspellings for MONOTOCOUS

Etymology of MONOTOCOUS

The word "monotocous" is derived from the Greek elements "monos", meaning "single" or "one", and "tokos", which means "offspring" or "birth". When combined, these Greek words form "monotokos", meaning "bringing forth one offspring". Over time, the word underwent morphological changes and came to be spelled and pronounced as "monotocous". It is often used in biology and zoology to describe organisms that give birth to a single offspring at a time.

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