UNISEXUAL Meaning and
Definition
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Unisexual is an adjective that refers to the reproductive system found in certain organisms, particularly plants and some animals, where there are distinct male and female individuals. In unisexual organisms, the male and female reproductive structures are present in separate individuals within the same species.
In plants, unisexual flowers contain either male or female reproductive organs, and often these flowers are found on separate plants. This characteristic is commonly observed in species such as papaya, kiwifruit, and dioecious trees. In this context, the male flowers produce pollen while the female flowers contain the receptive structures for fertilization.
Regarding animals, unisexual reproduction is also prevalent. Some species, such as many fish and reptiles, exhibit unisexual reproduction where individuals are specifically male or female. In these cases, external fertilization is typical, with males releasing sperm into the environment for females to collect and utilize for reproduction.
The concept of unisexuality contrasts with hermaphroditism, where an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs. While some organisms can switch between unisexual and hermaphroditic modes of reproduction, in unisexual species the two sexes remain separate.
Unisexual is a crucial term when discussing sexual reproduction and understanding the complexity of reproductive strategies in various organisms across different biological kingdoms.
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Relating to or having one sex only.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In bot., of a single sex-applied to plants having separate male and female flowers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for UNISEXUAL
- ynisexual
- hnisexual
- jnisexual
- inisexual
- 8nisexual
- 7nisexual
- ubisexual
- umisexual
- ujisexual
- uhisexual
- unusexual
- unjsexual
- unksexual
- unosexual
- un9sexual
- un8sexual
- uniaexual
- unizexual
- unixexual
Etymology of UNISEXUAL
The word "unisexual" originates from the combination of two Latin roots.
The first root is "uni-", which means "one" or "single". It comes from the Latin word "unus", meaning "one".
The second root is "-sexual", which is derived from the Latin word "sexus", meaning "sex" or "gender". It is used to refer to matters related to reproduction or sexual characteristics.
Thus, when these two roots are combined, "unisexual" refers to a being or having characteristics related to a single sex or gender.
Similar spelling words for UNISEXUAL
- unexcused,
- unsexy,
- unexacting,
- unisex,
- unsized,
- unsexed,
- uncase,
- unexhausted,
- unsuasible,
- unguis,
- unsocial.
