A type of asexual spore produced by an organism that is genetically identical to the parent, particularly in algae and fungi.
From auto- (self) + spore (reproductive cell). Botanical/mycological term from 19th century, describing non-sexual reproduction creating clones.
Some algae multiply by creating autospores—tiny clones of themselves that are perfect genetic copies. It's like making xerox copies of your DNA, which is fast but risky if conditions change.
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