sjálfsfrjóvgun

Sjálfsfrjóvgun, also known as self-fertilization or self-pollination, is a reproductive process where an organism's gametes are fertilized by gametes from the same individual. This occurs in a variety of organisms, including many plants, fungi, and some invertebrates. In plants, self-pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This can happen through wind, water, or animal vectors. Many plants have evolved mechanisms to promote self-pollination, such as having bisexual flowers or producing flowers that open after self-pollination has already occurred.

While self-fertilization can ensure reproduction, especially when cross-pollination partners are scarce, it often leads to reduced genetic diversity within a population. This is because offspring inherit a more similar genetic makeup from a single parent. In contrast, cross-fertilization, where gametes from two different individuals combine, typically results in greater genetic variation, which can be advantageous for adaptation to changing environments and resistance to diseases. Some organisms can engage in both self- and cross-fertilization, allowing them to adapt their reproductive strategy based on environmental conditions. The term sjálfsfrjóvgun specifically refers to the self-fertilization aspect of this reproductive spectrum.