heterogamy (redirected from heterogamic)

het·er·og·a·my  (ht-rg-m)

n.

1. Alternation of sexual and parthenogenic generations, as in some aphids.

2. The state or condition in which conjugating gametes are dissimilar in structure and size as well as in function.

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heter·o·gamic (-r-gmk) adj.

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heterogamy  (ht-rg-m)

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.

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heterogamous adjective

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heterogamy

1. the condition of being heterogamous, or reproducing sexually and asexually in alternating generations.
2. the process of indirect pollination. Cf. heterogenesis. — heterogamous, adj.

See also: Biology