Definition

This term describes a type of organism that has both male and female reproductive organs on the same individual, allowing it to produce both types of gametes.

Example

Corn plants are monoecious, as they have both male and female flowers on the same plant.

Conversation

Did you know that corn plants are actually monoecious?

Really? I thought they had separate male and female plants.

Nope, they have both male and female flowers on the same plant.

That’s interesting! I guess that makes them pretty efficient for reproduction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Monoecious → It is formed from "mono-" (from Greek "monos", meaning single or alone) and "oikos" (meaning house or dwelling). The term describes organisms that have both male and female reproductive structures in a single house or individual.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning 'single' and 'oikos' meaning 'house' — this helps you remember that 'monoecious' refers to a single organism having both male and female reproductive parts.

Visually Confused Words