What is autocpolyploidy?

Autopolyploidy refers to the condition where an organism gains one or more sets of chromosomes that are all derived from its own species. This process typically occurs through mechanisms such as self-fertilization, where an individual plant or organism doubles its chromosome number without the influence of another, distinct species. In this way, the resulting offspring have more than two sets of chromosomes, all of which are identical to the parental organism's genetic material.

This can lead to genetic diversity and may confer advantages such as increased size or greater resilience to environmental stress. It is important to recognize that this distinction is what defines autopolyploidy, differentiating it from other forms of polyploidy, such as allopolyploidy, which involves hybridization between different species.