self-fertilized
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Fertilized by its own pollen: Describes a plant, flower, or ovule that has been fertilized using pollen from the same individual organism, rather than from a different one.
Usage
- The term self-fertilized is used specifically in botany and biology to describe the reproductive process of an organism that can fertilize itself.
- It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).
- This process is also known as selfing.
Examples
- Attributive use:
- The botanist studied the self-fertilized pea plants in the experiment.
- A self-fertilized seed often has less genetic variation.
- Predicative use:
- Many of these flowers are self-fertilized.
- The species can reproduce even when isolated because its flowers are self-fertilized.
Advanced Usage
- "to self-fertilize" (verb): The process by which an organism fertilizes itself.
- Some plants have evolved the ability to self-fertilize when pollinators are scarce.
- "self-fertilization" (noun): The act or process of self-fertilizing.
- Self-fertilization ensures seed production but reduces genetic diversity.
Variants and Related Words
- Self-fertilising (Adjective, chiefly British spelling): Alternative spelling of self-fertilized.
- Self-pollinated (Adjective): A closely related term, often used interchangeably, though it specifically refers to the transfer of pollen within the same flower or plant, which leads to fertilization.
- Autogamous (Adjective): A technical synonym meaning capable of self-fertilization.
Synonyms
- Self-pollinated: Fertilized by its own pollen.
- Autogamous: Relating to or involving self-fertilization.
Antonyms
- Cross-fertilized: Fertilized by pollen from a different individual.
- Outcrossed: Bred or fertilized with a genetically different individual of the same species.
Adjective
- fertilized by its own pollen