Abstract:
Polyploidy has been hypothesized to be both an evolutionary dead-end and a source for evolutionary innovation and species
diversification. Although polyploid organisms, especially plants, abound, the apparent nonrandom long-term establishment
of genome duplications suggests a link with environmental conditions. Whole-genome duplications seem to correlate
with periods of extinction or global change, while polyploids often thrive in harsh or disturbed environments. Evidence is
also accumulating that biotic interactions, for instance, with pathogens or mutualists, affect polyploids differently than
nonpolyploids. Here, we review recent findings and insights on the effect of both abiotic and biotic stress on polyploids
versus nonpolyploids and propose that stress response in general is an important and even determining factor in the establishment
and success of polyploidy.
Polyploidy can be an evolutionary and ecological force in stressful times.
