self-fertilization; self-pollination; inbreeding
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to self-fertilize; (of hermaphroditic organisms) to undergo fertilization between male and female gametes from the same individual
Biological term primarily used in botany and zoology referring to self-fertilization or autogamy, such as self-pollination in flowering plants.
Peas are plants that often reproduce through self-pollination.
Self-pollination is a common form of autogamy in plants.
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In environments lacking pollinators, plants tend to favor self-fertilization.
verb
to inbreed; (of animals) to mate with close relatives
Genetics and breeding term referring to the mating of closely related individuals within a population, often resulting in homozygosity.
Long-term inbreeding leads to reduced genetic diversity in animal populations.
Laboratory mice are often inbred to maintain pure strains.
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To avoid genetic defects caused by inbreeding, zoos regularly exchange breeding animals.