What is the evolutionary drawback of polyploidy as an alternative mechanism for maintaining chromosome numbers?

• A. It may result in reduced fertility or sterility.
• B. It leads to faster adaptation to environmental changes.
• C. It can lead to reduced genetic diversity.
• D. It causes an increase in mutation rates.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that polyploidy refers to the condition in which an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes. This is common in plants but less so in animals.
2. Recognize that while polyploidy can offer some advantages, such as increased size and vigor, it can also have drawbacks, particularly in terms of reproduction.
3. Consider how having extra sets of chromosomes can complicate meiosis, the process of forming gametes (sperm and eggs), potentially leading to issues with pairing homologous chromosomes.
4. Realize that these complications during meiosis can result in reduced fertility or even sterility, as the gametes may end up with an incorrect number of chromosomes, making successful reproduction difficult.
5. Reflect on how reduced fertility or sterility can be an evolutionary drawback because it limits the ability of the organism to pass on its genes to the next generation, potentially reducing its evolutionary fitness.