Heterospory

/ˌhɛtərəˈspɔːri/ noun

Definition

A reproductive strategy in which a plant produces two different types of spores: large megaspores and small microspores.

Etymology

From 'hetero-' (different) + 'spory' (from Greek 'spora,' seed). A botanical term coined to describe this reproductive innovation found in advanced plants.

Kelly Says

Heterospory was nature's big innovation—instead of making identical spores, plants made two types with different jobs, eventually leading to the evolution of flowers!

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