- polyploidy is the condition that exists when an organism has one or more extra sets of chromosomes, as a result of errors in cell division
- this often leads to sympatric speciation
ADAPTIVE RADIATION
- a process characterized by periods of isolation and dispersal
- this example of allopatric speciation usually occurs when there are new areas for a species to occupy, after mass extinctions, or when natives have not colonized an area
- i.e. galapagos islands, hawaiian archipelago
POLYMORPHISM
- polymorphism is when 2 or more forms of a phenotype are represented in high enough frequencies to be readily noticeable
- a balanced polymorphism is when the frequences of the characteristics remain fairly constant over time
- a transient polymorphism is one that is changing in frequency over time
- i.e. if a population with a high incidence of sickle cell anemia moves to a location where malaria is no longer present...the gene will begin to disappear
