heterogaméták

Heterogamy is a form of sexual reproduction in which the gametes (sex cells) that fuse during fertilization are dissimilar in size and/or form. This contrasts with isogamy, where gametes are morphologically identical. The larger gamete is typically the female gamete, often called an ovum or egg, and is non-motile. The smaller gamete, the male gamete or sperm, is usually motile and produced in much larger quantities. This difference in gamete size and function is a fundamental characteristic of anisogamy, which is the most common form of heterogamy observed in sexually reproducing organisms.

The evolutionary advantage of heterogamy is thought to be related to the efficient allocation of resources. The large, nutrient-rich egg provides the developing zygote with the energy reserves needed for early growth, while the small, motile sperm maximizes the chances of fertilization by enabling a widespread search for the egg. This division of labor between gametes has been a successful strategy, leading to the widespread occurrence of heterogamy in the animal kingdom and in many plant species. The transition from isogamy to heterogamy is considered a significant evolutionary step in the development of sexual reproduction.