Agamic

/eɪˈɡæmɪk/ adjective

Definition

Reproducing without sexual combination; propagating through asexual means like budding or fission.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (not) and 'gamos' (marriage/sexual union). The suffix '-ic' makes it an adjective describing a reproductive strategy.

Kelly Says

Agamic reproduction in some insects is absolutely wild—all-female populations can thrive without a single male, which lets them colonize new environments incredibly fast, but it also means they're genetically identical so a single disease could wipe out the whole colony!

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