Unisexual

Unisexual describes a biological condition or characteristic where an organism or a part of it possesses only one type of sex organ, producing either male or female gametes but not both. This term applies primarily to plants and animals, including flowers, and is distinct from 'hermaphroditic' or 'bisexual' organisms, which possess both male and female reproductive organs. The term underscores the separation of sexes within a species or structure, emphasizing the specialization and the distinct roles of the sexes in the reproductive process.

Unisexual meaning with examples

• Some trees, like willows, are unisexual; individual trees produce either male flowers (catkins with pollen) or female flowers (catkins with seeds). This contrasts with trees like apple trees that have bisexual flowers. For pollination to occur in Unisexual trees, cross-pollination is necessary, relying on wind or insects to carry pollen.
• In the animal kingdom, certain insects are unisexual. Male and female individuals are morphologically distinct, such as in some species of bees where the queen and worker bees have a different appearance. The reproductive strategy relies on the fertilization of eggs by sperm from a male bee.
• A dioecious plant is a kind of Unisexual plant where the male and female reproductive structures are on separate plants. This adaptation favors genetic diversity and the potential for new combinations. Many important plant food sources rely on this method.
• Scientists studying the reproductive biology of a particular fern discovered the plant's spores gave rise to either male or female gametophytes, demonstrating the Unisexual reproductive strategy of the fern. This research provided insights into the plant's evolutionary adaptation.