Autogamous

/ɔːˈtɑːɡəməs/ adjective

Definition

Capable of or involving self-fertilization; in plants, able to reproduce by its own pollen without needing pollen from another plant.

Etymology

From autogamy + -ous suffix. A botanical adjective widely used since the 19th century to classify plant reproductive strategies.

Kelly Says

Wheat, peas, and tomatoes are autogamous—they're evolutionary loners that got tired of waiting for bees or wind. This independence is why humans could domesticate them so easily: they were already committed to themselves.

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