Two researchers experimentally formed tetraploid frogs by fertilizing diploid eggs from Rana porosa brevipoda with diploid sperm from Rana nigromaculata. When they mated these tetraploid frogs with each other, most of the offspring that survived to maturity were tetraploid, with chromosome sets of both diploid parent species. Based on these results, if this type of tetraploid formed in the wild, what would be the result?
A) The two parent species would interbreed and fuse into one species.
B) The two parent species would recognize each other as mates.
C) The tetraploids would be reproductively isolated from both parent species.
D) The tetraploids would be selected against.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formation of the tetraploid frogs resulted in offspring with a combination of chromosome sets from both parent species. If this occurred in the wild, the tetraploid offspring would likely be unable to successfully mate with either parental species, leading to reproductive isolation and potentially the formation of a new species. Option A is incorrect because the fusion of two species into one is a much more complex process than just the formation of a tetraploid individual. Option B is incorrect because recognizing each other as mates does not guarantee successful fertilization and offspring production. Option D is also incorrect because if the tetraploids were able to persist and reproduce, they would not necessarily be selected against.

Two Researchers Experimentally Formed Tetraploid Frogs by Fertilizing Diploid Eggs