1. A condition in which an organism has four complete sets of chromosomes that are all derived from the same species.
Usage: biology; genetics; technical term

Examples

• Autotetraploidy occurs naturally in some plant species and can result from chromosome doubling.
• The wheat variety exhibits autotetraploidy, making it larger and more robust than its diploid relatives.
• Researchers induced autotetraploidy in the laboratory by treating seedlings with colchicine.
• Autotetraploidy is common in flowering plants and contributes to their genetic diversity.
• The autotetraploidy in this fern species led to increased vigor and altered growth patterns.