SPERMATOPHOROUS Meaning and
Definition
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Spermatophorous refers to an adjective used to describe an organism or reproductive process involving the transfer of sperm from the male to the female through the use of a spermatophore. A spermatophore is a specialized structure or package containing sperm cells that are transferred from the male to the female during mating.
In nature, various organisms utilize spermatophorous reproduction as a means of enhancing their chances of successful fertilization. This reproductive strategy is commonly observed in many invertebrates such as insects, arachnids, and mollusks, as well as some vertebrates including certain fishes and amphibians.
The process usually involves the male producing a spermatophore, which can vary in shape and size depending on the species. The spermatophore is then transferred to the female through direct contact or by deposition in an appropriate location for the female to come into contact with it. Once the spermatophore is received, the female can extract the sperm cells for fertilization of her eggs.
Spermatophorous reproduction is a notable adaptation that offers advantages to both male and female individuals. It provides an efficient means of sperm transfer, ensuring that the sperm cells reach the female reproductive tract with higher chances of successful fertilization. For males, it allows for sperm competition, increasing the likelihood that their sperm will outcompete rival males' sperm for fertilization.
Overall, spermatophorous reproduction exemplifies the diverse strategies that organisms employ to ensure reproductive success and guarantee the continuation of their species.
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Producing or bearing seed or sperm.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPERMATOPHOROUS
- apermatophorous
- zpermatophorous
- xpermatophorous
- dpermatophorous
- epermatophorous
- wpermatophorous
- soermatophorous
- slermatophorous
- s-ermatophorous
- s0ermatophorous
- spwrmatophorous
- spsrmatophorous
- spdrmatophorous
- sprrmatophorous
- sp4rmatophorous
- sp3rmatophorous
- speematophorous
- spedmatophorous
- spefmatophorous
- spetmatophorous
Etymology of SPERMATOPHOROUS
The word "Spermatophorous" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "Sperma" (σπέρμα): This root means "seed" or "sperm" in Greek. It is often used in scientific terminology related to reproduction, specifically referring to the fertilizing or reproductive material.
2. "Phorus" (φορός): This root means "bearer" or "carrier" in Greek. It is commonly used in scientific terms to describe a structure or organism that carries or bears something specific.
When combined, "Spermatophorous" refers to something that bears or carries sperm or seed. It is often used to describe organisms or structures involved in reproduction, particularly in the context of animals that transfer sperm during mating.
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