Ascogonidia

/ˌæs.koʊˌɡoʊˈnɪd.i.ə/ noun

Definition

The plural form of ascogonidium, referring to multiple asexual spores produced by an ascogonium in certain fungi.

Etymology

Plural of ascogonidium, combining ascogonium + Greek -idium (diminutive suffix). This term developed in mycology to distinguish between sexual and asexual reproductive structures in fungi.

Kelly Says

Some fungi are surprisingly lazy—they'd rather clone themselves through ascogonidia than bother with sexual reproduction, which is actually an ancient shortcut that still works millions of years later.

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