oogamy

1 9.9

A form of sexual reproduction where a large non-moving egg is fertilized by a small moving sperm

noun
/ˈuːɡəmi/

Specialized

: oogamia

In oogamy, the egg is much larger than the sperm and does not move.

Examples

The evolution of oogamy allowed for greater specialization of reproductive cells.
Many plants and animals reproduce through oogamy.
In many species, oogamy is the primary mode of reproduction.
The concept of oogamy explains how certain organisms reproduce.
In oogamy, a large egg is fertilized by a small, moving sperm.
Most mammals exhibit oogamy, where the non-motile egg is released for fertilization.
Understanding oogamy helps scientists study the reproductive strategies of various species.

Surface Forms

oogamy singular

oogamies plural

Morphology

oogamy = oo + gamy

Built from Greek combining forms 'oo-' (egg) and '-gamy' (union/marriage) that are not standalone English words and are technical, so the meaning is not obvious to average learners.

Etymology

Oogamy comes from Greek parts oo- meaning 'egg' and -gamy meaning 'marriage' or 'union', the same root you see in monogamy. So, oogamy is a kind of reproduction where a large, non-moving egg is joined by a small, moving sperm.