Hi. i know I already posted this but I don't understand how polyploidy contributes to evolution in finches of the galapagos islands as polyploidy most often occurs in plants.

Changes in the plant population can effect changes in the animal population. However, since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "polyploidy finch" to get these possible sources:

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Polyploidy.html#Polyploidy_and_Speciation
http://www.biology-online.org/2/11_natural_selection.htm
http://redpath-museum.mcgill.ca/Qbp/2.About%20Biodiversity/processes.htm
http://books.google.com/books?id=khEUYMtmuOQC&pg=PA332&lpg=PA332&dq=polyploidy+finch&source=bl&ots=Km4vZ7PbQq&sig=rPHa7LOfrevTGMyumo5etuRwf2I&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

disadvantage and advantanges of polyploidy

Hi! Polyploidy is indeed more commonly observed in plants, but it can also occur in animals, including birds like finches. Polyploidy is a condition where an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes. It can occur through several mechanisms, such as errors during cell division or hybridization between individuals from different species.

Now, let's discuss how polyploidy can contribute to evolution in finches of the Galapagos Islands. One important point to note is that the formation of new species is a crucial part of the evolution process. Polyploidy can lead to speciation by creating reproductive isolation between individuals with different ploidy levels. Here's how it happens:

1. Genetic Variation: Polyploid individuals have extra copies of genes, which can lead to increased genetic diversity within populations. This genetic variation can be a driving force for adaptations and evolutionary changes.

2. Reproductive Isolation: Polyploidy can cause reproductive barriers between individuals with different ploidy levels. This can occur because polyploid individuals often have difficulties reproducing with non-polyploid individuals due to chromosomal differences. As a result, they become reproductively isolated, leading to the formation of new species.

3. Habitats and Niche Exploitation: Polyploidy can create individuals with different characteristics than their non-polyploid counterparts. These individuals may have advantages in exploiting different ecological niches or habitats. This can lead to divergence in habitat preference, resource utilization, or feeding behaviors, ultimately facilitating further speciation.

It's worth mentioning that while polyploidy has been more frequently observed in plants, it has been reported in a few animal groups as well. In the case of Galapagos finches, although polyploidy may not be the primary mechanism for their speciation, it adds to the overall genetic diversity and evolutionary potential of the population.

To learn more about the specific examples and research related to polyploidy in Galapagos finches, I recommend exploring scientific articles, journals, or books that discuss evolutionary biology, speciation, and the role of polyploidy in different organisms. Keep in mind that the field of evolutionary biology is a dynamic and ever-expanding realm of research, so new discoveries and insights are continuously being made.