Sexual reproduction that occurs within an organism rather than between two separate organisms, found in certain microorganisms like some ciliates.
From 'endo-' (within) and 'mixis' (sexual mixture, from Greek 'misgein' meaning to mix). This microbiology term emerged in the early 20th century when scientists studied the surprising sex lives of single-celled organisms.
Some ciliates practice endomixis, literally having sex with themselves through nuclear fusion—it's nature's answer to loneliness, allowing genetic shuffling without needing a partner, which blurs the biological definition of 'sexual reproduction.'
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