polyploidy mechanisms

Polyploidy occurs when an organism has extra sets of chromosomes beyond the normal two (diploid). It can happen through two main mechanisms: *autopolyploidy*, where a cell's chromosomes duplicate within itself, leading to multiple identical sets; and *allopolyploidy*, where two different species hybridize, and their combined chromosomes double, creating a new species with multiple chromosome sets. These processes often involve errors in cell division or hybridization events, resulting in organisms with increased genetic material, which can sometimes benefit survival, adaptation, or reproduction.