self-fertilization

[self-fur-tl-uh-zey-shuh n, self-] /ˈsɛlfˌfɜr tl əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf-/

noun

Botany. fertilization of an ovum of a plant by a male gamete from the same flower (opposed to cross-fertilization).

Zoology. fertilization of the ovum of a hermaphroditic animal by a sperm from the same individual, as in some species of tapeworm.

Origin

1855-60

Related forms

self-fertilized, adjective

Examples from the web for self-fertilization

Plants are capable of self-fertilization and produce mature cones and seeds two years after pollination.

British Dictionary definitions for self-fertilization

self-fertilization

noun

fertilization in a plant or animal by the fusion of male and female gametes produced by the same individual Compare cross-fertilization

Derived Forms

self-fertilized, adjective
self-fertilizing, self-fertile, adjective

self-fertilization in Science

self-fertilization

(sělf'fûr'tl-ĭ-zā'shən)
Fertilization that occurs when male and female gametes produced by the same organism unite. Self-fertilization occurs in many protozoans and invertebrate animals. It results from self-pollination in plants. Self-fertilization allows an isolated individual organism to reproduce but restricts the genetic diversity of a community. Compare cross-fertilization.