Heterogonous

/ˌhɛtərˈɑɡənəs/ adjective

Definition

Having or showing the characteristic of heterogony; reproducing through different sexual arrangements or forms in alternating generations.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' and 'gonos' with the adjectival suffix '-ous,' meaning 'possessing the quality of.' This became standard scientific terminology in botany and zoology by the mid-1800s.

Kelly Says

Primrose flowers are heterogonous—some plants have long stamens and short pistils while others have the opposite arrangement. They literally can't pollinate themselves even if they tried!

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