autogamy
Quick Summary
Autogamy, also known as self-fertilization, is the fusion of male and female gametes produced by the same individual. This process is common in bisexual organisms like most flowering plants, protozoans, and invertebrates. In unicellular organisms, autogamy can involve the division of a single parent cell. In plants, it refers to a flower being pollinated by its own pollen.12
While self-fertilization allows isolated individuals to reproduce and stabilize desirable genetic traits, it limits genetic variability within a population. This can hinder adaptation to environmental changes, as offspring may not be able to cope with new conditions. Cross-pollination, on the other hand, combines hereditary traits from two parents, leading to more varied offspring that have a better chance of survival in a changing environment.1345
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
ParameciumAutogamy (self-fertilization) is a similar process that occurs in one organism. In cytogamy, another type of self-fertilization, two organisms join together but do not undergo nuclear exchange.
Read MoreAutogamy (self-fertilization) is a similar process that occurs in one organism. In cytogamy, another type of self-fertilization, two organisms join together but do not undergo nuclear exchange.
Read More- protistReproduction and life cycles
…this type of fertilization, called autogamy, complete homozygosity is obtained in the lines derived from the single parent.
Read More…this type of fertilization, called autogamy, complete homozygosity is obtained in the lines derived from the single parent.
Read More 
protozoanAutogamy and modified conjugation…a form of conjugation called autogamy, in which all the nuclear processes described above occur. But, because only one individual is involved, there is no exchange of gametic nuclei. Instead, the two gametic nuclei within the cell unite to form the restored micronucleus.
Read More…a form of conjugation called autogamy, in which all the nuclear processes described above occur. But, because only one individual is involved, there is no exchange of gametic nuclei. Instead, the two gametic nuclei within the cell unite to form the restored micronucleus.
Read More