ZYGOMORPHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Zygomorphous is an adjective used to describe the specific floral symmetry found in certain types of flowers. The term is derived from the Greek words "zygo" meaning "yoke or axis" and "morphe" meaning "shape or form". In botanical terms, zygomorphous refers to flowers that exhibit bilateral symmetry, which means they can be divided into two symmetrical halves along only one plane. This is distinct from other forms of floral symmetry such as radial or actinomorphic, where a flower can be divided into equal halves in multiple planes.
Typically, zygomorphous flowers have a single line of symmetry that runs vertically or horizontally, resulting in a mirror-image arrangement of their floral parts. The most common example of this type of symmetry can be seen in orchids, snapdragons, and mints. In these flowers, the petals are usually arranged in two whorls, with the lower three petals fused together forming a distinctive lip or landing platform for pollinators. The other petals, sepals, and reproductive structures are either arranged above or below this central axis.
Zygomorphous flowers have evolved to enhance their pollination efficiency, as the specialized lip structure helps guide specific pollinators towards nectar or pollen resources and facilitates efficient transfer of pollen. This unique floral arrangement allows for targeted interactions and successful reproduction with specific pollinating organisms, such as insects or birds.
Common Misspellings for ZYGOMORPHOUS
- xygomorphous
- sygomorphous
- aygomorphous
- ztgomorphous
- zggomorphous
- zhgomorphous
- zugomorphous
- z7gomorphous
- z6gomorphous
- zyfomorphous
- zyvomorphous
- zybomorphous
- zyhomorphous
- zyyomorphous
- zytomorphous
- zygimorphous
- zygkmorphous
- zyglmorphous
- zygpmorphous
Etymology of ZYGOMORPHOUS
The word "zygomorphous" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "zygon" meaning "yoke" or "junction", and "morphos" meaning "form" or "shape". In botany, "zygomorphic" refers to a floral symmetry characterized by a bilateral symmetry along a vertical axis, where the two halves are mirror images of each other only when divided in a specific way.
Similar spelling words for ZYGOMORPHOUS
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