Autoicous

/ɔːˈtoʊɪkəs/ adjective

Definition

In biology, describing organisms that are self-fertilizing or hermaphroditic, having both male and female reproductive organs in one individual.

Etymology

From Greek 'autos' (self) + 'oikos' (house/home), literally 'self-housed' or 'contained within itself'. The term developed in botanical and zoological classification.

Kelly Says

Many plants are autoicous, which means a single organism can literally reproduce with itself—they're the ultimate survivors because they don't need a mate to create the next generation.

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