autogamy
/ɔːˈtɑːɡəmi/
noun
- The process of self-fertilization in plants, where a flower's own pollen fertilizes its ovules.
- Autogamy ensures that a plant can reproduce even if no pollinators visit.
- Farmers sometimes rely on autogamy to keep crop varieties pure.
- Some orchids have evolved mechanisms to prevent autogamy and encourage cross-pollination.
Antonyms