# Heterogamy

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**Heterogamy** is a term derived from combining the Greek word *heteros* meaning ("different") and *gamos* meaning ("marriage"). This term has three meanings one for biology, one for botany and one for social science.[1]

## Science

### Biology

In biology, heterogamy is sexual reproduction in which two types of gametes fuse, these gametes are usually of varying sizes, forms, and biological functions.[2] This type of heterogamy occurs for example in some [aphids](/source/Aphid). Alternately, *heterogamy* or *heterogamous* is often used as a synonym of [heterogametic](/source/Heterogametic), meaning the presence of two unlike chromosomes in a sex.[3][4]

### Botany

In [botany](/source/Botany), a plant is heterogamous when it carries at least two different types of flowers in regard to their reproductive structures, for example male and female flowers or bisexual and female flowers. [Stamens](/source/Stamen) and [carpels](/source/Carpel) are not regularly present in each flower or floret.[5]

## Social science

In [sociology](/source/Sociology), heterogamy refers to a [marriage](/source/Marriage) between two individuals from different social, racial, age, gender or ethnic groups.[5] For instance, ethnic heterogamy involves partners that come from different ethnic backgrounds, while age heterogamy describes a relationship with a notable age gap between two individuals. more broadly heterogamy refers to a union of people who differ in certain characteristics.

- [Heterogametic](/source/Heterogametic)
- [Homogametic](/source/Homogametic)

## References

1. ["Heterogamy"](https://www.oed.com/dictionary/heterogamy_n?tl=true). *Oxford English dictionary*. Retrieved 2026-04-01.

1. ["Definition of Heterogamy"](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterogamy). *merriam-webster.com*. Retrieved 2026-04-01.

1. Lokki, Juhani; Esko Suomalainen; Anssi Saura; Pekka Lankinen (1975-03-01). ["Genetic Polymorphism and Evolution in Parthenogenetic Animals. Ii. Diploid and Polyploid Solenobia Triquetrella (lepidoptera: Psychidae)"](http://www.genetics.org/content/79/3/513.abstract). *Genetics*. **79** (3): 513–525. [doi:10.1093/genetics/79.3.513](https://doi.org/10.1093/genetics/79.3.513). [PMC 1213290](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1213290). [PMID 1126629](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1126629). Retrieved 2011-12-20.

1. Hiroki, Masato; Yohsuke Tagami; Kazuki Miura; Yoshiomi Kato (2004-08-22). "Multiple infection with Wolbachia inducing different reproductive manipulations in the butterfly Eurema hecabe.". *Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences*. **271** (1549): 1751–1755. [doi:10.1098/rspb.2004.2769](https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2004.2769). [ISSN 0962-8452](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0962-8452). [PMC 1691781](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1691781). [PMID 15306297](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15306297).

1. ["Heterogamy - Definition & Meaning - Reverso English Dictionary"](https://dictionary.reverso.net/english-definition/heterogamy). *dictionary.reverso.net*. Retrieved 2026-04-01.

“Merriam-Webster Dictionary.” *Merriam-Webster.com*, 2026, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterogamy.[2]

“Heterogamy, N. Meanings, Etymology and More | Oxford English Dictionary.” *Oed.com*, 2025, www.oed.com/dictionary/heterogamy_n?tl=true&tab=factsheet, https://doi.org/10.1093//OED//6247091271.[1]

‌“HETEROGAMY - Definition & Meaning - Reverso English Dictionary.” *Reverso.net*, 2026, dictionary.reverso.net/english-definition/heterogamy.[5]

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Heterogamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterogamy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterogamy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.