An asexually formed zygospore, also known as "azygosperm" or "parthenospore", in fungi or a spore developed directly from a gamete without joining together.

A zygospore remains dormant while it waits for environmental cues, such as light, moisture, heat, or chemicals secreted by plants.

When the environment is favorable, the zygospore germinates, meiosis (cell division) occurs, and haploid (chromosome) vegetative cells are released.

A large multinucleate plant spore formed by union with similar gametes: Such zygospores are produced by nonflowering vegetation, fungi, some bacteria, and algae.