hydrophilous
- adjective
- /ˌhaɪdrəˈfɪləs/
- Specialized
:
hidrófilo
- The evolution of some hydrophilous species is reasonably explained by a selfing-intermediate model in which selection for selfing precedes the gain of water-pollinated reproduction.
Examples
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The evolution of hydrophilous systems in the marine Hydrocharitaceae and Najas, in which both pollen and stigmas are completely wet, would represent a subsequent stage of adaptation in such a gradual model.
Academic text (1996) -
Hydrophily may have evolved in one large step, with most hydrophilous features arising simultaneously.
Academic text (1996) -
The exine of most hydrophilous species is extremely reduced or lacking.
Academic text (1996) -
This observation would necessitate that hydrophilous features evolved convergently in both male and female flowers.
Academic text (1996) -
Pollen size, shape, and dispersal mechanisms illustrate convergent trends among hydrophilous groups.
Academic text (1996) -
Many aquatic plants are hydrophilous, relying on water currents to transport their pollen.
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The hydrophilous nature of certain flowering plants allows them to thrive in wet environments.
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In ecosystems with abundant water, hydrophilous species play a crucial role in pollination.
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
hydrophilous = hydrophile (semi-transparent) = hydro + phil + ous
The form is clearly built from water + loving, but the botanical specialization to water pollination is not fully predictable for learners.
Etymology
Hydrophilous comes from the Greek parts hydro- 'water' and -philous 'loving', like in hydrate or hydrant. Think of a plant that 'loves' water and lets the current carry its pollen to other flowers, which is why hydrophilous means adapted for pollination by water.