Gynecophoric

/ˌdʒɪnɪkoʊˈfɔrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or describing the groove in male parasitic worms that houses and carries the female.

Etymology

From Greek 'gyne' (woman) + 'phorikos' (from 'pherein', to carry) + '-ic' (relating to). The adjective form of gynecophore, used in parasitological descriptions.

Kelly Says

The gynecophoric canal in schistosomes stays in constant contact with the female—this intimate pairing is so important for reproduction that the worms literally cannot separate without death, making them one of nature's most co-dependent creatures.

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