heterogamy

[ het-uh-rog-uh-mee ]

noun

1. heterogamous state.

heterogamy

/ ˌhɛtəˈrɒɡəmɪ /

noun

1. See isogamy
   a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes differ in both size and form Compare isogamy
2. a condition in which different types of reproduction occur in successive generations of an organism
3. See homogamy
   the presence of both male and female flowers in one inflorescence Compare homogamy

heterogamy

/ hĕt′ə-rŏg′ə-mē /

1. Alternation of sexual and parthenogenetic generations, as in the life cycles of some aphids.
2. A reproductive system that is characterized by the fusion of gametes (called heterogametes ) that are dissimilar in size and structure, such as the egg and sperm of animals.

Derived Forms

• ˌheterˈogamous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterogamy¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hetero- + -gamy

Example Sentences

Another interesting type of heterogamy is that which has been long known in the Aphides.

From Project Gutenberg

The heterogamy of the allied Coccid is practically the same as that of the Aphid.

From Project Gutenberg

Parthenogenesis without heterogamy occurs in a large number of forms.

From Project Gutenberg

Heterogamy: applied to those cases in which two sexual or a sexual and parthenogenetic generation alternate.

From Project Gutenberg

Alterations in the position of the sexual organs are spoken of under the head of Heterogamy.

From Project Gutenberg