Mixed-ploidy species harbor a unique form of genomic and phenotypic variation that influences ecological interactions, facilitates genetic divergence, and offers insights into the mechanisms of polyploid evolution. However, there have been few attempts to synthesize this literature. We review here research on the cytotype distribution, diversity, and dynamics of intensively studied mixed-ploidy species and consider the implications for understanding mechanisms of polyploidization such as cytotype formation, establishment, coexistence, and post-polyploid divergence. In general, mixed-ploidy species are unevenly represented among families: they exhibit high cytotype diversity, often within populations, and frequently comprise rare and odd-numbered ploidies. Odd-ploidies often occur in association with asexuality. We highlight research hypotheses and opportunities that take advantage of the unique properties of ploidy variation.

混合倍性物种具有独特形式的基因组和表型变异，可影响生态相互作用，促进遗传差异并提供多倍体进化机制的见解。但是，很少有尝试合成该文献的尝试。我们在这里回顾有关深入研究的混合倍性物种的细胞型分布，多样性和动力学的研究，并考虑对理解多倍化机制（例如细胞型形成，建立，共存和多倍体后趋异）的意义。通常，混合倍性物种在家庭中的分布不均匀：它们表现出很高的细胞类型多样性，通常在种群内，并且经常包含稀有和奇数倍性的倍性。奇数倍性经常与无性相关。