Final answer:
The diploid number of chromosomes in the animal mentioned is four (2n = 4). Diploid cells, excluding gametes, contain two sets of chromosomes derived from both parents. The concept applies to most sexually reproducing organisms, though polyploidy exists in certain plants like strawberries and kiwis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diploid number of chromosomes in the animal described in the question is four (2n = 4). In biology, this diploid number refers to the total number of chromosomes present in a somatic cell which contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. An animal cell, for instance, goes through a process called meiosis where it divides to form haploid daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes of the initial cell.
All sexually reproducing organisms, including mammals and many plants, have diploid cells in their bodies, except for the reproductive gametes. The strawberry and kiwi, for example, are polyploid, meaning they have more than two sets of chromosomes. In contrast, human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes (2n = 46), which demonstrates the diploid condition common among different species.