GeologyRocks

A major mechanism of speciation in plants. Caused by a failure of reduction of chromosome number during meiosis so 2n gametes are produced. Polyploid organisms have >2 sets of chromosomes. If new species are formed by polyploidy the polyploids must have higher fitness than the parental forms, they can achieve this by occupying new niches. Two types: autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy.