I'm hoping for some expert opinions and help here.
Over the course of evolutionary history, life on this planet most likely had to move from a form that had only a single, unpaired chromosome to the vast variety we see today.
I'm curious as to the different causes and issues involved with this progression.
For asexual creatures, it's really not that big of an issue (or is it?) seeing as how they don't have to find mates. Sexual lifeforms however have a must more difficult time modifying their chromosome counts.
I found a great article discussing
Robertsonian fusions which can reduce the number of chromosomes in a population. It was (according to the article) the method by which humans moved to 23 pairs from the 24 pair ape population.
What other methods are out there that change chromosome counts? How do the new creatures procreate? Is it through inbreeding with siblings with the same 'disorder'? If so, that is the ultimate population bottleneck encompassing a single family.
I look forward to learning something here.
Edited by Codegate, : No reason given.
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