Abstract
Ploidy-variable species allow direct inference of the effects of chromosome copy number on fundamental evolutionary processes. While an abundance of theoretical work suggests polyploidy should leave distinct population genomic signatures, empirical data remains sparse. We sequenced ∼300 individuals from 39 populations of Arabidopsis arenosa, a naturally diploid-autotetraploid species. We find the impacts of polyploidy on population genomic processes are subtle yet pervasive, including reduced efficiency on linked and purifying selection as well as rampant gene flow from diploids. Initial masking of deleterious mutations, faster rates of nucleotide substitution, and interploidy introgression all conspire to shape the evolutionary potential of polyploids.
