| Definition | |
|---|---|
| Budding | A form of asexual multiplication in which a new individual begins life as an outgrowth from the body of the parent. It may then separate to lead an independent existence or remain connected or otherwise associated to form a colonial organism (Barnes et al., 1993). |
| Vegetative | Development by somatic growth. Vegetative reproduction is, therefore, an asexual processes occurring as a result of fragmentation, division or budding from the parent organism. |
| Parthenogenesis | A form of asexual multiplication in which the ovum develops into a new individual without fertilization (Barnes et al., 1993). |
| Self-fertilization | Selfing or autogamy. Fertilization of a female gamete by a male gamete produced by the same individual. |
| Fission | A form of asexual multiplication involving division of the body into two or more parts each or all of which can grow into new individuals (Barnes et al., 1993). |
| Permanent hermaphrodite | Capable of producing both ova and spermatozoa either at the same time (Barnes et al., 1993). |
| Protandrous hermaphrodite | A condition of hermaphroditism in plants and animals where male gametes mature and are shed before female gametes mature (Holmes, 1979). |
| Protogynous hermaphrodite | A condition of hermaphroditism in plants and animals where female gametes mature and are shed before male gametes mature (Holmes 1979). |
| Gonochoristic (dioecious) | Having separate sexes (Barnes et al., 1993). |
| Alternation of generations | The alternation of generations, in the life cycle of an organism, that exhibit different modes of reproduction; typically sexual (diploid) and asexual (haploid) phases. Also termed metagenesis (Lincoln et al. 1998). |
| Gamete Type | Isogamous Having gametes of similar size, shape and behaviour. (Lincoln et al., 1998). |
| Anisogamous | Having flagellate gametes of different size, shape or behaviour (from Bold, 1977 and Lincoln et al., 1998). |
| Oogamous | Having large, non-motile eggs and small motile sperm. Usually applied to algae (Lincoln et al., 1998). |