Polyploidy

Polyploidy is a condition in which a cell or organism has more than two sets of chromosomes. Most species, including humans, are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent). In contrast, polyploid organisms can have three sets (triploid), four sets (tetraploid), or even more. This often occurs in plants and can lead to greater genetic diversity, bigger sizes, and increased resilience. Polyploidy can arise from errors in cell division or hybridization between species, playing a significant role in evolution and agriculture, as many important crops are polyploid.