The transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma within the same flower or between flowers on the same individual plant. This process allows plants to reproduce without requiring pollen from other individuals.
Compound term combining 'self' from Old English meaning one's own person, and 'pollination' from Latin 'pollen.' The concept became important in botanical studies during the 19th century when Darwin investigated plant breeding systems.
Self-pollination is like botanical self-sufficiency - while it guarantees reproduction even when you're the only plant around, it's also like only dating within your own family, which is why many plants have evolved mechanisms to prevent it and encourage genetic diversity instead!
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