All members of the golden hamster species known today are descendants of a single litter collected in Syria in 1939. Its diploid chromosome number is 44. Two other species of hamster, each with a diploid number of 22, overlap in Syria. The golden hamster is thought to be a new species that developed following the mating of a male and female of the two other hamster species. What mechanism might explain this recent event of speciation?
A) temporal isolation
B) chromosomal doubling to produce fertile hybrids
C) disruptive selection
D) adaptive radiation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chromosomal doubling in the offspring of the mating between two different species (each with a diploid number of 22) could result in a fertile hybrid with a diploid number of 44, explaining the speciation event that led to the golden hamster. This process allows for the hybrid to reproduce either among themselves or back with one of the parent species if the chromosome numbers are compatible.

All Members of the Golden Hamster Species Known Today Are