Autogeny is a term that has its roots in the Greek language. It is a word that is used to describe organisms that can produce offspring without the need for fertilization. This process is also known as parthenogenesis. Autogeny is a fascinating topic that has been studied by scientists for many years. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of autogeny, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Autogeny is defined as the ability of an organism to reproduce without the need for fertilization. This means that the offspring of an autogenous organism are genetically identical to the parent. Autogeny is a process that is seen in many different species, including plants, animals, and insects.
Origin
The word autogeny has its roots in the Greek language. The prefix “auto” means self, and the suffix “geny” means reproduction. Autogeny was first used in the scientific community in the early 1900s.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of autogeny in different dictionaries is consistent with the definition given above. The Oxford English Dictionary defines autogeny as “the ability of an organism to produce offspring without the need for fertilization.” Merriam-Webster defines autogeny as “the production of offspring by a female organism without fertilization by a male.”
Associations
Autogeny is associated with a variety of different organisms. In plants, autogeny is seen in species such as dandelions and strawberries. In animals, autogeny is seen in species such as lizards, snakes, and some species of fish. In insects, autogeny is seen in species such as aphids and bees.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for autogeny, including parthenogenesis, agamogenesis, and virgin birth.
Antonyms
The antonym of autogeny is allogeny. Allogeny is the process of reproduction that involves fertilization by a male.
The same root words
The same root words as autogeny include autogenous, which means self-generated, and autogamy, which means self-fertilization.
Example Sentences
- The dandelion is an autogenous plant that can reproduce without the need for fertilization.
- Some species of lizards are capable of autogeny, producing offspring without the need for a male.
- The process of autogeny is fascinating to scientists who study genetics and reproduction.