Polyploidy is a type of genetic variation where an organism has more than two sets of chromosomes. This can occur naturally in some species, but can also be induced artificially in a laboratory setting. Polyploidy can have a range of effects on the organism, including changes in size, morphology, and possibly even increased fitness. Research in polyploidy focuses on understanding the mechanisms of how polyploidy occurs, its evolutionary implications, and how it can be utilized in plant breeding and crop improvement.