METAXENY Meaning and
Definition
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Metaxeny is a term primarily used in the field of botany, specifically in the context of plant pollination and reproduction. It refers to a phenomenon where the nature and arrangement of floral parts, such as petals, stamens, and pistils, change during the development of a flower. This alteration in the floral structure may occur over time, particularly during the maturation process, or it can be observed within individual flowers during their growth.
The term "metaxeny" originates from the Greek words "meta" meaning "after" or "beyond," and "xeny" which translates to "stranger" or "foreign." This literal translation reflects the essence of metaxeny as a transformative process, where flowers exhibit modifications that appear "foreign" compared to their previous forms.
Metaxeny is often associated with changes in color, shape, or arrangement of floral parts, which impact the attractiveness and accessibility of a flower to pollinators. These modifications can arise due to several factors, such as environmental conditions, genetic influences, or interaction with different pollinators. In some cases, metaxeny can result in the production of new types of flowers or novel floral variations within a species.
Understanding metaxeny is essential for studying the reproductive strategies and ecological relationships of plants. It elucidates the adaptability and plasticity of floral structures, revealing how plants can optimize pollination efficiency and increase their chances of successful reproduction in diverse environmental conditions. The study of metaxeny provides valuable insights into the evolutionary processes shaping plant-pollinator interactions and offers a framework for further research on the intricate dynamics of plant reproductive biology.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METAXENY
- netaxeny
- ketaxeny
- jetaxeny
- mwtaxeny
- mstaxeny
- mdtaxeny
- mrtaxeny
- m4taxeny
- m3taxeny
- meraxeny
- mefaxeny
- megaxeny
- meyaxeny
- me6axeny
- me5axeny
- metzxeny
- metsxeny
- metwxeny
- metqxeny
- metazeny
Etymology of METAXENY
The word "metaxeny" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning "between" or "among" and "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "guest". The term was coined in the early 20th century to describe a phenomenon in plant biology, specifically the interspecific or intergeneric grafting of plants. The concept refers to the capacity of a graft union between different plant species to produce a hybrid or mixed plant.
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