noun
- The plural of heterothallism; the condition in fungi and algae in which sexual reproduction requires two genetically distinct mating types or strains.
Usage: technical; biology; mycology
Examples
- Many fungal species exhibit heterothallisms, requiring compatible mating types to produce spores.
- The heterothallisms observed in these mushroom strains prevent self-fertilization.
- Researchers studied the genetic basis of heterothallisms in laboratory cultures.
- Different heterothallisms in algae species determine their reproductive compatibility.