Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

heterosporous

Adjective

/ˌhɛtəroʊˈspɔːrəs/

Definition

Referring to plants and algae that produce two different kinds of spores: microspores, which develop into male gametophytes, and megaspores, which develop into female gametophytes.

Examples

Many seed plants are heterosporous, allowing them to adapt to various ecological niches.
The life cycle of the fern illustrates how heterosporous reproduction can lead to greater genetic diversity.

Meaning

Heterosporous organisms have evolved to create distinct reproductive strategies through the production of two types of spores, enhancing their survival in diverse environments.