sjálfsfrjóvgunar

Sjálfsfrjóvgunar, also known as self-fertilization or self-pollination in plants, refers to the process where a plant's ovule is fertilized by pollen from the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This is a form of sexual reproduction, meaning it involves the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg).

In flowering plants, self-fertilization typically occurs when pollen grains from the anthers land on the stigma of the same flower or a different flower on the same plant. The pollen then germinates, grows a pollen tube down to the ovary, and fertilizes the ovule. This results in the production of seeds that are genetically similar to the parent plant.

While self-fertilization can ensure reproduction, especially in situations where cross-pollination is difficult, it can also lead to reduced genetic diversity. This lack of diversity can make populations more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes. Many plants have evolved mechanisms to promote or prevent self-fertilization, such as the physical separation of anthers and stigma, or the production of incompatible pollen.

Some organisms, particularly certain invertebrates like snails and earthworms, are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. These organisms can, in some instances, engage in self-fertilization, although cross-fertilization with another individual is often preferred for greater genetic variation.