Fecundity
- Pronunciation
- /fih-KUN-dih-tee/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Fecundity
- Plural
- Fecundities
Definition
The potential reproductive capacity of an organism or species, often measured by the number of eggs produced by a female.
Etymology
From Latin 'fecunditas', meaning 'fruitfulness' or 'fertility', derived from 'fecundus', meaning 'fruitful'.
Example
The fecundity of the queen ant allows her to lay thousands of eggs throughout her lifetime.
Synonyms
- Fertility
- Prolificacy
Related Terms
- Reproduction
- Egg-laying
- Fertility
Usage Notes
Fecundity is an important factor in the study of population dynamics and ecology, as it influences the growth and sustainability of populations.