noun
- The plural of homothallism; the condition in fungi and algae in which sexual reproduction can occur within a single individual or clone, without requiring a separate mating type.
Usage: technical; biology; mycology
Examples
- Many species of fungi exhibit homothallisms, allowing them to reproduce sexually without a partner.
- The homothallisms observed in certain algae strains enable rapid population expansion.
- Researchers studied the genetic basis of homothallisms in laboratory cultures.
- Homothallisms can provide reproductive advantages in isolated environments.