The term "monoecious" refers to a type of plant that has both male and female reproductive structures on the same individual. This means that a single plant can produce both pollen and ovules, allowing it to self-fertilize or cross-fertilize with other plants. Common examples of monoecious plants include corn and cucumbers. Monoecious plants are advantageous in environments where pollinators may be scarce, as they can still reproduce effectively. This reproductive strategy can enhance genetic diversity when cross-pollination occurs, contributing to the overall resilience of the species in varying conditions.