Diplotene chromosomes of Xenopus hybrid oocytes.

Observation on meiotic diplotene chromosomes from oocytes of Xenopus species and subspecies hybrids are reported. Species interrelationships are established on the basis of the number of bivalent in the respective hybrids. Polyploid oocytes were found and their origin by supplementary endoreduplication placed at the differentiation stage of gametogenesis when oogonia become oocytes. The significance of polyploid oocytes for speciation is discussed.