Öntermékenyítés

Öntermékenyítés, a biological term, refers to the process where an organism fertilizes itself. This occurs in some hermaphroditic species, meaning individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs. In such cases, the male gametes (sperm) produced by an individual can fertilize the female gametes (eggs) of the same individual. This is distinct from cross-fertilization, where gametes from two different individuals are involved.

Self-fertilization is a strategy that can be advantageous in situations where finding a mate is difficult or impossible. It ensures reproduction can occur even in isolation. However, it also carries a potential drawback: reduced genetic diversity within the offspring. Over generations, self-fertilization can lead to an accumulation of homozygous genotypes, which may increase the expression of deleterious recessive alleles.

Many organisms, including various species of plants, fungi, and some invertebrates like certain snails and flatworms, are capable of self-fertilization. In plants, this can manifest as pollen from a flower fertilizing the ovule of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. While it provides a reproductive backup, many species also have mechanisms to promote cross-pollination, highlighting a balance between ensuring reproduction and maintaining genetic variation. The prevalence and mechanisms of self-fertilization vary greatly across different taxonomic groups.