Autogamy – Definition & Meaning

Conclusion

Autogamy is a term that is often used in the field of biology, particularly in the study of reproduction. It is a process where a plant or animal is able to fertilize itself without the need for external agents. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of autogamy, its origin, and how it is used in different dictionaries. We will also look at the associations, synonyms, and antonyms of autogamy, as well as some example sentences to help understand its usage better.

Definitions

Autogamy is defined as the process of self-fertilization in plants or self-fertilization in animals. In plants, it occurs when the pollen from the same flower is transferred to the stigma of the same flower. In animals, it occurs when the sperm and egg cells come from the same individual.

Origin

The term autogamy comes from the Greek words “auto” meaning self and “gamos” meaning marriage. The term was first used in the late 19th century in the study of plant reproduction.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Oxford English Dictionary, autogamy is defined as “the fertilization of a flower by its own pollen.” In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is defined as “self-fertilization in plants or animals.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines autogamy as “the process in which a plant or animal fertilizes itself.”

Associations

Autogamy is associated with the process of self-fertilization, which can be advantageous in certain situations. For example, in plants, autogamy can be useful when there are not enough pollinators available to transfer pollen from one flower to another. In animals, autogamy can be useful when there are no other individuals of the same species available for mating.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of autogamy include self-fertilization, self-pollination, and selfing.

Antonyms

The antonyms of autogamy are allogamy and cross-fertilization. Allogamy refers to the fertilization of a flower by pollen from a different flower on the same plant or from a different plant. Cross-fertilization refers to the fertilization of a flower by pollen from a different plant.

The same root words

The same root words as autogamy include autogenous, autocracy, and autonomic. Autogenous means self-generated, autocracy refers to a system of government where one person has absolute power, and autonomic refers to the involuntary nervous system.

Example Sentences

1. The plant was able to reproduce through autogamy.
2. Autogamy can be advantageous in certain situations, such as when there are no pollinators available.
3. Some plants are able to self-fertilize through autogamy, while others require cross-fertilization.
4. Autogamy is a process that is often studied in the field of plant reproduction.

In conclusion, autogamy is a process of self-fertilization in plants and animals. It is a term that is commonly used in the field of biology and is associated with self-pollination and self-fertilization. Autogamy can be advantageous in certain situations, such as when there are no other individuals of the same species available for mating. Understanding the meaning and usage of autogamy can help in the study of reproduction in plants and animals.