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Dioecism refers to a reproductive strategy where male and female reproductive organs are found in separate individuals. This means an organism is either male or female, producing only male gametes (sperm) or female gametes (eggs), but not both. This is in contrast to monoecious organisms, which are hermaphroditic and produce both types of gametes.1234

In dioecious species, sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two separate individuals. This strategy is found in various organisms, including some plants like ginkgo and cannabis, as well as all vertebrates. The separation of sexes in dioecious species ensures genetic outcrossing, promoting genetic diversity within a population.35

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