A new plant species may arise in a single generation by
A) errors in meiosis leading to polyploidy.
B) a sudden geological disruption causing separation of two populations.
C) mutations in genes for flower color.
D) changes in the pollinator species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polyploidy can lead to the doubling of the chromosome number, which can create a new plant species in a single generation without the need for gradual accumulation of mutations. This is because polyploid plants undergo reproductive isolation from their diploid parents, and their offspring are usually sterile due to uneven chromosome pairing, thus reducing gene flow between the two populations. Over time, these plants can adapt to their new environment and become reproductively isolated from their diploid ancestors, leading to the formation of a new species.

A New Plant Species May Arise in a Single Generation