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heterospory

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌhɛtəˈrɒspəri/

KK: /hɛtəˈrɒspəri/

noun
Definition

The state of producing two different types of spores, typically microspores and megaspores, which is common in certain plants.


Example

Heterospory is an important adaptation in the evolution of seed plants.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about heterospory in plants?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's when plants produce different types of spores, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's really interesting how it helps in their reproduction.
Sloth B
I know! It’s amazing how nature has such complex strategies.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dimorphism
dichotomy
variation
Antonyms
homospory
uniformity
sameness
Root Explanation

Heterospory → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "spora" (from Greek "spora", meaning seed or sowing). The word refers to the production of different types of spores by a single plant species.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') types of 'seeds' ('spora') being produced by a plant — that's what heterospory means.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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