Quote:
Originally Posted by mynah
What I find puzzling is that changes in chromosome number accompanied by speciation is so common....even a rare carrier who benefits personally from a translocation or inversion is likely to have fewer healthy offspring than one who does not have the chromosomal defect. ...
The question is, however - how is this point reached, and why has it happened so often during the course of evolution?
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This is a great question. Do keep in mind that if reproduciton is sexual, the mates (almost always) have to have the same chromosome number to reproduce. This means that 1) the chromosome anomaly has to occur in two adults in the same generation, and 2) they have to find each other.
Calculate the odds on that one.
Bio
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Few problems are so complex that they cannot be substantially clarified by one more cup of coffee
(or a nice cabernet if it is after 5:00)
Moderator in absentia. Return anticipated. Timing somewhat vague.
