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Multiple Choice
Why does polyploidy lead to sympatric speciation in plants?
A
Polyploidy results in reproductive isolation due to differences in chromosome numbers.
B
Polyploidy enhances the ability of plants to survive in extreme environmental conditions.
C
Polyploidy allows plants to produce more flowers and attract more pollinators.
D
Polyploidy increases genetic diversity by introducing new alleles from different species.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of polyploidy: Polyploidy refers to the condition in which an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes. This is common in plants and can occur due to errors in cell division.
Explore how polyploidy leads to reproductive isolation: When a plant becomes polyploid, it has a different number of chromosomes compared to its parent species. This difference can prevent successful breeding with the original species, leading to reproductive isolation.
Consider the role of sympatric speciation: Sympatric speciation occurs when new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region. Polyploidy can facilitate this by creating genetic barriers within the same environment.
Examine the environmental advantages of polyploidy: Polyploid plants often have increased vigor and can survive in more extreme conditions due to their genetic makeup, which can contribute to their success and speciation.
Assess the impact on genetic diversity: Polyploidy can increase genetic diversity by introducing new alleles, which may arise from hybridization events between different species, further promoting speciation.