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autogamy

autogamy

9.9
A way a flower or plant makes seeds using its own pollen
  • noun
  • /ˌɔːtəˈɡæmi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : autogamia
  • In autogamy, self-pollination ensures that a single plant can produce seeds.

Examples

  • The study explored how autogamy affects genetic diversity in wildflowers.

  • Some species of plants rely on autogamy to reproduce in isolated environments.

  • Many plants exhibit autogamy as a reproductive strategy.

  • Does this species rely on autogamy for reproduction?

  • In autogamy, self-pollination allows a single plant to produce viable seeds without the need for pollen from other plants.

  • Some flowering plants, such as certain orchids, utilize autogamy to ensure their reproductive success in isolated habitats.

  • Research on autogamy reveals its significant role in maintaining plant populations in environments with limited pollinator access.

Synonyms

self-pollination
vsautogamy
  • Specialized
4.9

A flower making seeds using its own pollen

is the broader plant term focusing on the fertilization event rather than transfer detail
self-fertilization
vsautogamy
  • Specialized
6.5

When a plant or animal uses its own sperm and eggs to make young

is used chiefly for plants where pollen fertilizes ovules rather than any organism
selfing
vsautogamy
  • Specialized
8.5

A plant or group that fertilizes itself to make offspring

names the reproductive process itself rather than an entity produced by it

Antonyms

allogamy
  • Specialized
9.9

Fertilization of a plant by pollen from a different plant of the same species

How Self-Fertilizing

autogamy
  • Specialized
9.9
allogamy
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

autogamy singular
autogamies plural

Morphology

autogamy = auto + gam + y

The meaning is directly compositional ('self' + reproductive union/fertilization), but the classical elements are not highly familiar everyday English morphemes for many learners.

Etymology

The word autogamy comes from the Greek parts auto- 'self' and -gamy 'marriage'. So, autogamy is like a 'self-marriage' in plants, meaning a flower or plant fertilizes itself.