pseudocopulation

English

Etymology

From pseudo- +‎ copulation.

Pronunciation

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Noun

pseudocopulation (countable and uncountable, plural pseudocopulations)

1. (biology) Any of various processes, amongst diverse animals, in which male gametes are passed from one individual to another without sexual union.
2. (biology) The process by which an insect (such as a bee) attempts to mate with a flower (such as an orchid) that mimics a female insect, and in doing so pollinates the plant.

See also

• Pouyannian mimicry