Selfing: meaning, definitions and examples
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selfing
[ ˈsɛlfɪŋ ]
biological reproduction
Selfing is a form of reproduction that occurs when an organism fertilizes its own gametes. This process is prevalent in many plants and some animal species, allowing them to reproduce without a mate. It can lead to inbreeding and a reduction in genetic diversity, but in some cases, it enables survival in isolated conditions. Selfing plays a significant role in the study of genetics and evolution, as it helps to understand the mechanisms of inheritance and adaptation.
Synonyms
autofecundation, self-fertilization.
Examples of usage
- Many flowering plants exhibit selfing as a method of reproduction.
- Selfing can help maintain populations in environments where mates are scarce.
- The genetic consequences of selfing may impact future generations.
Translations
Translations of the word "selfing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 auto-polinização
🇮🇳 स्व-संवर्धन
🇩🇪 Selbstbefruchtung
🇮🇩 pembiakan sendiri
🇺🇦 самозапилення
🇵🇱 samopłodnienie
🇯🇵 自己受粉
🇫🇷 autopollinisation
🇪🇸 autopolinizacion
🇹🇷 kendinden döllenme
🇰🇷 자기 수분
🇸🇦 التلقيح الذاتي
🇨🇿 sebeoplodnění
🇸🇰 sebeoplodnenie
🇨🇳 自我授粉
🇸🇮 samooploditev
🇮🇸 sjálfsfrjóvgun
🇰🇿 өздігінен тозаңдану
🇬🇪 საკუთარი გამრავლება
🇦🇿 öz-özünə tozlanma
🇲🇽 autopolinización
Etymology
The term 'selfing' originated from the combination of 'self', which denotes the individual organism, and the suffix '-ing', indicating the action or process. The concept of selfing has roots in biology, particularly in studies related to reproduction in plants and certain animal species. The idea gained traction as biologists began to observe and document the various methods of reproduction in nature. Over time, the term became more widely used in the fields of genetics and evolutionary biology, as researchers explored its implications on genetic variability and population dynamics. The study of selfing has helped clarify the complex mechanisms behind inheritance, offering insights into how nature adapts and survives in different environmental circumstances. Today, selfing is an important aspect of ecological and evolutionary research, shedding light on the interplay between reproduction and genetic diversity.