In genetics, an increase in vigor or development resulting from the union of gametes from different strains or lines of the same species, occurring within a self-fertilizing organism.
From auto- (self) + heterosis (from Greek heteros 'different' + -osis 'condition'). A botanical/genetic term describing hybrid vigor within single-organism lineages, combining 'self' with the concept of genetic diversity benefits.
Autoheterosis explains why plants that self-pollinate but are genetically diverse can sometimes produce surprisingly vigorous offspring—it's nature's way of getting the benefits of both genetic similarity (parent-to-child) and genetic diversity (vigor boost) simultaneously.
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