Whole-genome duplication (WGD) helps create new traits in plants, but it's hard for these polyploids to survive long-term because they generally need more energy and space than their diploid ancestors.
Researchers created a model to see if larger plants (polyploids) could compete with their smaller ancestors (diploids) based on how they use energy from photosynthesis.
The results showed that polyploids can succeed even if they aren't as efficient at using energy, especially when they form repeatedly and compete for nutrients. Small changes in how plants manage their energy can help polyploids thrive.
Polyploidy, i.e. the occurrence of multiple sets of chromosomes, is regarded as an important phenomenon in plant ecology and evolution, with all flowering plants likely having a polyploid ancestry.