heterogamy

noun

1. heterogamous state.

noun

1. a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes differ in both size and formCompare isogamy
2. a condition in which different types of reproduction occur in successive generations of an organism
3. the presence of both male and female flowers in one inflorescenceCompare homogamy (def. 1)

n.

1. The state or condition in which conjugating gametes are dissimilar in structure and size as well as in function.

1. Alternation of sexual and parthenogenetic generations, as in the life cycles of some aphids.
2. A reproductive system that is characterized by the fusion of gametes (called heterogametes) that are dissimilar in size and structure, such as the egg and sperm of animals.