Question

Amphimixis is the development of an organism obtained through:
(a) Apospory
(b) Apogamy
(c) Fusion of gametes
(d) Without fusion of gametes

Answer 1

During sexual reproduction, the fusion of male and female gametes is called Amphimixis or syngamy. This process is also called fertilization which results in the formation of a zygote. Since half chromosomes are obtained from each gamete, the zygote has a complete set of chromosomes.

Complete step by step answer:
The fusion of male gamete i.e. spermatozoa and female gamete i.e. ovum is the main feature of sexual reproduction. The process of fusion is also called fertilization and its end result is a zygote. Since the zygote receives half genetic material from each of the parents it is genetically distinct from both parents.
A synonymous term for sexual reproduction is amphimixis. However, the more precise definition of amphimixis is the union or the fusion between the male and the female gametes in sexual reproduction.
The major point of difference between sexual and asexual reproduction is the fusion of gametes. This causes genetic variations in sexually reproducing animals. In asexually reproducing organisms, there is no fusion of male and female gametes and hence no genetic variations are seen.
So, the correct answer is ‘(c) Fusion of gametes.’

Note: Apomixis is the formation of a seed or zygote without the fusion of gametes. Apospory is a type of apomixis in which nucellar cells give rise to the apomictic embryo sac. Apogamy is the development of male gametes or sporophytes without the fusion of gametes.