What does apomictically mean?
Apomictically is an adverb describing reproduction by apomixis. In apomictic reproduction, offspring develop without the normal fusion of gametes and, in animals, usually from an unfertilized egg. The process is a form of asexual reproduction and occurs in some plants, fungi, algae, and animals, including certain insects and reptiles. The adverb is most often used in technical descriptions such as “the species reproduces apomictically,” especially when an author wants to specify the reproductive mechanism rather than simply call the process asexual or parthenogenetic. Apomictic organisms can produce offspring that are highly similar genetically to their parent, although mutations and other genetic changes may still occur. The term is useful in biological and agricultural contexts because it distinguishes a particular reproductive pathway from fertilization involving egg and sperm.
adverbIn a manner characterized by apomixis, that is, reproduction without fertilization or the fusion of gametes.
- By means of apomixis, without fertilization or fusion of gametes.
"The plant reproduces apomictically, producing offspring without fertilization."
"The plant reproduces apomictically, producing viable seeds without pollination."
"Some aphids reproduce apomictically, so unfertilized females give birth to genetically similar daughters."
Apomictically, reproduction bypasses the usual merger of egg and sperm, allowing offspring to develop without fertilization.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does apomictically come from?
The word belongs to scientific vocabulary built on New Latin apomixis, which derives from Greek apo-, meaning “apart” or “away from,” and mixis, meaning “mixing.” The related adjective apomictic and adverb apomictically were formed in English from this vocabulary. Its formation follows the established connection between reproductive terminology, including apomixis and its contrasting term amphimixis.
Related word forms
How apomictically is actually used
This is a specialized biological term used chiefly in botany, zoology, genetics, and reproductive biology. It is formal and relatively uncommon in general prose.
Easily confused with apomictically
Apomictic is the adjective describing reproduction without fertilization, whereas apomictically is the adverb describing how such reproduction occurs.