zoogamia
Zoogamia is a term used in biology to describe the reproductive process involving the union of two gametes from different organisms, typically leading to fertilization and the formation of a new individual. The word derives from Greek roots, with "zoon" meaning animal or living being, and "gamos" meaning marriage or union. Zoogamy is commonly observed in the sexual reproduction of many animals and plants, where male and female gametes fuse to combine genetic material and produce genetically diverse offspring.
In animals, zoogamy typically involves the fertilization of an ovum by spermatozoa. This process can be internal,
In plants, zoogamy occurs during the fertilization of ovules by pollen grains, a process integral to seed
Zoogamy differs from other reproductive mechanisms such as parthenogenesis, where offspring develop from an unfertilized egg.
Overall, zoogamy is a fundamental biological process that underscores the importance of genetic exchange for species