anisogamy

American  

[an-ahy-sog-uh-mee] / ˌæn aɪˈsɒg ə mi /

noun

Biology.

1. the union of anisogametes.

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anisogamy British  

/ ˌænaɪˈsɒɡəmɪ /

noun

1. a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes are dissimilar, either in size alone or in size and form

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Other Word Forms

• anisogamous adjective

Etymology

Origin of anisogamy

First recorded in 1890–95; aniso- + -gamy

Example Sentences

This is known as anisogamy and usually causes males to compete for females through the evolution of weapons such as antlers in deer, or adornments such as the beautiful tail of the peacock.

From Washington Post