Gonozooid

/ˌɡɒnəˈzoʊɔɪd/ noun

Definition

A reproductive zooid or individual in a colonial organism, specialized for breeding and producing eggs or sperm.

Etymology

From 'gono-' (reproductive) + 'zooid' (from Greek 'zoon' meaning animal + '-oid' meaning resembling). Combines reproductive root with the zooid concept from colonial organism biology.

Kelly Says

Hydrozoans are like medieval estates where different types of creatures do different jobs—gonozooids are the breeders, while other zooids are just warriors, workers, or feeders.

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