1. of or relating to fungi or algae that require two different mating types or strains to reproduce sexually
Usage: biology; mycology

Examples

• Many species of fungi are heterothallic, meaning they cannot self-fertilize.
• Heterothallic organisms depend on genetic compatibility between two separate individuals for sexual reproduction.
• The heterothallic nature of this mold requires the presence of both mating types in the same environment.
• Researchers studied heterothallic strains to understand fungal breeding patterns.
• Unlike homothallic species, heterothallic fungi need a compatible partner to complete their life cycle.