dioecism
Quick Summary
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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- reproductive behaviourCoelenterates
Hydras are also dioecious; that is, each individual produces either sperm or eggs. In many temperate-zone species of Hydra, sexual reproduction occurs during the autumn; the fertilized eggs enable the species to survive the winter.
Read MoreHydras are also dioecious; that is, each individual produces either sperm or eggs. In many temperate-zone species of Hydra, sexual reproduction occurs during the autumn; the fertilized eggs enable the species to survive the winter.
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animal reproductive systemGonads, associated structures, and productsIn dioecious species, the sexes are separate. Generally, the male gonads ripen first in hermaphroditic animals (protandry); this tends to ensure cross-fertilization. Self-fertilization is normal, however, in many species, and some species undergo sex reversal.
Read MoreIn dioecious species, the sexes are separate. Generally, the male gonads ripen first in hermaphroditic animals (protandry); this tends to ensure cross-fertilization. Self-fertilization is normal, however, in many species, and some species undergo sex reversal.
Read More- reproductionReproduction of organisms
…all vertebrates, are unisexual (dioecious): the male and female gametes are produced by separate individuals.
Read More…all vertebrates, are unisexual (dioecious): the male and female gametes are produced by separate individuals.
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- unisexuality
…this condition is often called dioecism. A unisexual species is one in which all individuals are of the same sex. Some species of whiptail lizards, for example, are only female. New individuals grow from eggs that develop without fertilization (parthenogenesis).
Read More…this condition is often called dioecism. A unisexual species is one in which all individuals are of the same sex. Some species of whiptail lizards, for example, are only female. New individuals grow from eggs that develop without fertilization (parthenogenesis).
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gymnospermGinkgophytaLike the cycads, Ginkgo is dioecious and bears microsporangia and megasporangia on separate trees. A Ginkgo microstrobilus is borne on a dwarf shoot among the fan-shaped leaves. The microstrobilar axis bears stalked appendages at the ends of each of which are two microsporangia. Megastrobili are borne on elongated slender stalks,…
Read MoreLike the cycads, Ginkgo is dioecious and bears microsporangia and megasporangia on separate trees. A Ginkgo microstrobilus is borne on a dwarf shoot among the fan-shaped leaves. The microstrobilar axis bears stalked appendages at the ends of each of which are two microsporangia. Megastrobili are borne on elongated slender stalks,…
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plant breedingMating systems…in the carrot and walnut), dioecy (male and female parts are borne on different plants, as in the date palm, asparagus, and hops), and genetically determined self-incompatibility (inability of pollen to grow on the stigma of the same plant, as in white clover, cabbage, and many other species).
Read More…in the carrot and walnut), dioecy (male and female parts are borne on different plants, as in the date palm, asparagus, and hops), and genetically determined self-incompatibility (inability of pollen to grow on the stigma of the same plant, as in white clover, cabbage, and many other species).
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pollinationStructural…and willows (Salix species)—have become dioecious; that is, some plants produce only “male” (staminate) flowers, with the rest producing only “female” (pistillate or ovule-producing) ones. In species in which staminate and pistillate flowers are found on the same individual (monoecious plants) and in those with hermaphroditic flowers (flowers possessing both…
Read More…and willows (Salix species)—have become dioecious; that is, some plants produce only “male” (staminate) flowers, with the rest producing only “female” (pistillate or ovule-producing) ones. In species in which staminate and pistillate flowers are found on the same individual (monoecious plants) and in those with hermaphroditic flowers (flowers possessing both…
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angiospermGeneral features…flowers are on another are dioecious, from the Greek for “two houses.”
Read More…flowers are on another are dioecious, from the Greek for “two houses.”
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flowerForm and typesA flower may be radially…
Read MoreA flower may be radially…
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papayaPhysical descriptionNormally, the species is dioecious, male and female flowers being produced on separate plants, but hermaphroditic forms are known, and numerous irregularities in the distribution of the sexes are common. Male flowers are borne in clusters on stalks 90 cm long; the flowers are funnel-shaped, about 2.5 mm (0.1…
Read MoreNormally, the species is dioecious, male and female flowers being produced on separate plants, but hermaphroditic forms are known, and numerous irregularities in the distribution of the sexes are common. Male flowers are borne in clusters on stalks 90 cm long; the flowers are funnel-shaped, about 2.5 mm (0.1…
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SapindalesCharacteristic morphological featuresThis culminates in dioecism, a condition where male and female flowers in the species are borne on separate plants. Dioecism has evolved independently in most families. Many members of the order have bisexual and unisexual flowers on the same plant (polygamous). In some inflorescences, for example, the terminal…
Read MoreThis culminates in dioecism, a condition where male and female flowers in the species are borne on separate plants. Dioecism has evolved independently in most families. Many members of the order have bisexual and unisexual flowers on the same plant (polygamous). In some inflorescences, for example, the terminal…
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