noun
- A specialized reproductive structure in certain hydrozoans and other marine organisms that produces or bears gonads.
Usage: biology; zoology; technical
Examples
- The gonophore of the hydrozoan develops from the blastostyle and contains the reproductive organs.
- In some colonial hydroids, the gonophore is a modified polyp dedicated to reproduction.
- Marine biologists study the gonophore to understand the life cycles of jellyfish and related organisms.
- The gonophore releases gametes into the water during the breeding season.