Question

If this type of tetraploid formed in the wild, what would be the result?

1) The two parent species would interbreed and fuse into one species.
2) The two parent species would recognize each other as mates.
3) The tetraploids would be reproductively isolated from both parent species.
4) The tetraploids would be selected against

Answer 1

Tetraploids formed in the wild are most likely to be reproductively isolated from both parent species due to differences in chromosome numbers, leading to reproductive isolation and the potential for new species development.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a tetraploid forms in the wild, it is likely that the tetraploids would be reproductively isolated from both parent species.

This occurs because the tetraploid individuals have double the number of chromosomes compared to the diploid parent species. As a result, they cannot produce viable gametes with the parental species, leading to reproductive isolation.

In certain scenarios, if the hybrid offspring are more fit than the parental species, reproduction might continue between the hybrids and one or both parents, possibly leading to the merging of all organisms into a single species. However, in this particular case, the formation of tetraploids generally leads to isolation rather than merging of species.