self-fertilizing

A pea plant is self-fertilizing.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to self-fertilization: "self-fertilizing" describes an organism, especially a plant, that is capable of fertilizing itself without the need for pollen or gametes from another individual. This process involves the fusion of male and female reproductive cells from the same organism.

Usage Examples

• (The plant can fertilize itself without another plant.)
• (These crops do not require cross-pollination.)

Advanced Usage

• "self-fertilizing mechanism": a biological structure or process that enables self-fertilization.

  • The flower's self-fertilizing mechanism ensures seed production even when pollinators are scarce. (The flower can reproduce on its own.)

• "self-fertilizing species": a species that commonly reproduces through self-fertilization.

  • Some hermaphroditic animals, such as certain snails, are considered self-fertilizing species. (These animals can fertilize their own eggs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Self-fertilization (noun): the process of fertilizing oneself.

  • Self-fertilization is common in many plants and some invertebrates. (The act of self-fertilizing.)

• Self-fertilize (verb): to undergo or cause self-fertilization.

  • The plant can self-fertilize when conditions are favorable. (The plant fertilizes itself.)

Synonyms

• Self-pollinating: specifically for plants, meaning capable of transferring pollen from the same flower or plant to its own stigma.
• Autogamous: a biological term for organisms that reproduce by self-fertilization.

Related Idioms

• "Self-fertilizing cycle": a recurring process where an organism repeatedly reproduces through self-fertilization.
  • The population maintained a self-fertilizing cycle for several generations. (The organisms continued to reproduce without external mates.)