isogamy

1 9.9

A form of reproduction in which two sex cells are the same size and shape

noun
/ˌaɪsəˈɡæmi/

Specialized

: isogamia

In some species of algae, isogamy occurs when two similar gametes fuse during reproduction.

And mathematical modelling has shown that isogamy is unstable in evolution.

Examples

And mathematical modelling has shown that isogamy is unstable in evolution.

Chris Williamson
Research indicates that isogamy can lead to decreased genetic diversity in certain organisms.
The study focused on the advantages and disadvantages of isogamy in plant reproduction.

Surface Forms

isogamy singular

isogamies plural

Morphology

isogamy = gamy (opaque) = iso + gamy

Both parts are specialized Greek combining forms (iso- and -gamy) used mainly in scientific terminology, so the meaning is not obvious to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Isogamy comes from Greek parts iso- 'equal' and -gamy 'marriage', the same -gamy you see in monogamy and polygamy. So isogamy is the joining of equal sex cells, which is why it means reproduction by the fusion of similar cells called 'gametes'.