Abstract
Polyploidy has been an extremely common phenomenon in the evolutionary history of angiosperms. Despite this there are few data available to evaluate the effects of polyploidy on genetic diversity and to compare the relative effects of drift and selection in polyploids and related diploids. We investigated DNA sequence diversity at four nuclear loci (adh1, glb1, c1, and waxy) from the tetraploid Zea perennis and the closely related diploid Z. diploperennis. Contrary to expectations, we detected no strong evidence for greater genetic diversity in the tetraploid, or for consistent differences in the effects of either drift or selection between the tetraploid and the diploid. Our failure to find greater genetic diversity in Z. perennis may result from its relatively recent origin or demographic factors associated with its origin. In addition to comparing genetic diversity in the two species, we constructed genealogies to infer the evolutionary origin of Z. perennis. Although these genealogies are equivocal regarding the mode of origin, several aspects of these genealogies support an autotetraploid origin. Consistent with previous molecular data the genealogies do not, however, support the division of Zea into two sections, the section Zea and the section Luxuriantes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
