Sjálfsfrjóvgaðar

Sjálfsfrjóvgaðar is an Icelandic term that translates to "self-fertilized" or "self-pollinated" in English. It refers to a biological process where an organism reproduces using its own gametes. This can occur in both plants and animals, though the mechanisms and implications differ.

In plants, self-pollination is common and occurs when pollen from the anther of a flower fertilizes the ovule of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This is a form of asexual reproduction in the sense that offspring are genetically identical to the parent plant, assuming no mutations. Many species are naturally self-pollinating, while others have mechanisms to prevent it, promoting cross-pollination.

In animals, self-fertilization is much rarer. It is typically observed in hermaphroditic species, which possess both male and female reproductive organs. These organisms can fertilize themselves, producing offspring. However, many hermaphrodites still engage in cross-fertilization with other individuals of the same species, which can increase genetic diversity. The term sjálfsfrjóvgaðar in this context highlights the capability of an organism to achieve reproduction without a partner.