heterothallism
/ˌhɛtəroʊˈθælɪzəm/
noun
- The condition in fungi and algae where sexual reproduction requires two genetically distinct mating types.
- Heterothallism ensures genetic diversity in many fungal populations.
- The textbook explained heterothallism using the example of yeast.
- Researchers study heterothallism to understand how fungi evolve.