Heterospory (Noun)
Meaning
The development of both microspores and megaspores.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The life cycle of seed plants typically involves heterospory, where microspores develop into male gametophytes and megaspores develop into female gametophytes.
- Heterospory evolved as a mechanism to ensure successful reproduction by producing both male and female reproductive structures within the same plant.
- The presence of heterospory allows seed plants to optimize their reproductive strategy by separating the development of microspores and megaspores.
- Seed ferns are known to exhibit heterospory, which was likely an adaptation to their environment that improved their chances of successful reproduction.
- In the context of plant evolution, heterospory represents a critical innovation that enabled seed plants to dominate terrestrial ecosystems.