Heterogamous

/ˌhɛtərɒɡəməs/ adjective

Definition

Describing plants or animals that reproduce sexually with different types of gametes, or plants that have flowers of different forms.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' (different) and 'gamous' (marrying/reproducing), combining to describe organisms with diverse mating or reproductive strategies.

Kelly Says

Many flowering plants are heterogamous, producing both pollen and pistils of different sizes to prevent self-fertilization—nature's way of maintaining genetic diversity within a single plant!

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