What is the Difference Between Allogamy and Autogamy?

Allogamy and autogamy are processes related to the fertilization of gametes in plants. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Allogamy: Also known as cross-fertilization, allogamy refers to the fertilization of an ovum from one individual with the spermatozoa of another. This process leads to genetically diverse offspring and is considered evolutionarily important. Allogamy can be further divided into two types:
• Geitonogamy: The fusion of male and female gametes derived from two genetically identical individuals.
• Xenogamy: The fusion of male and female gametes derived from two genetically different individuals.
• Autogamy: Also known as self-fertilization, autogamy refers to the fusion of male and female gametes derived from the same individual. This process leads to genetically identical offspring and is not considered evolutionarily important. In flowering plants, autogamy can occur within a single flower (infrafloral selfing) or between flowers derived from one individual.

In summary, allogamy involves the fertilization of gametes from different individuals, leading to genetically diverse offspring, while autogamy involves the fertilization of gametes from the same individual, leading to genetically identical offspring.

Comparative Table: Allogamy vs Autogamy

Here is a table comparing the differences between allogamy and autogamy:

In summary, autogamy is a type of self-fertilization where the egg cell fuses with a sperm cell produced by the anthers of the same flower, resulting in a genetically identical offspring population. On the other hand, allogamy is a type of cross-fertilization where the egg cell fuses with a sperm cell produced by the anthers of another plant of the same species, leading to genetic variation and contributing to the evolution of the species.