Autocarpy – Definition & Meaning

Autocarpy is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a specific meaning in the field of botany. Understanding the definition and meaning of autocarpy can help us better understand plant reproduction and the different ways in which plants can produce offspring.

Definitions

Autocarpy refers to a type of fruit development in which the ovary of a flower develops into a fruit without the need for fertilization. In other words, the ovules within the ovary develop into seeds without the intervention of pollen from another flower. This process is also known as apomixis.

Origin

The term autocarpy comes from the Greek words “auto” meaning “self” and “karpos” meaning “fruit.” It was first used in the late 19th century to describe a specific type of fruit development in plants.

Meaning in different dictionaries

Autocarpy is not a term that is commonly found in general dictionaries, but it can be found in specialized botanical dictionaries. The Oxford Dictionary of Plant Sciences defines autocarpy as “the development of a fruit from an ovary without the need for fertilization.”

Associations

Autocarpy is associated with asexual reproduction in plants. It is a way for plants to produce offspring without the need for genetic diversity from another plant. This can be advantageous in certain environments where there may be limited opportunities for pollination or where genetic diversity is not necessary for survival.

Synonyms

Other terms that are used to describe autocarpy include apomixis, agamospermy, and parthenocarpy.

Antonyms

The opposite of autocarpy is allogamy, which refers to the fertilization of the ovules within the ovary by pollen from another flower.

The same root words

The root words “auto” and “karpos” are also found in other botanical terms. Autogamy, for example, refers to self-fertilization in plants, while carpel refers to the female reproductive organ of a flower.

Example Sentences

  1. The strawberry is a good example of a plant that can reproduce through autocarpy.
  2. Autocarpy is a useful adaptation for plants that live in environments with limited pollination opportunities.
  3. Parthenocarpy is a type of autocarpy in which the fruit develops without the need for fertilization.
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