Triploidy refers to a condition where an individual has 1.5 times the normal number of chromosomes. Egg and sperm cells are haploid (have n number of chromosomes). Normal cells are diploid (have 2n number of chromosomes). The exact cause of triploidy in humans is not known. It may be caused when more than one sperm fertilize a single egg. Triploidy may be preferred and cultivated in plants in order to increase productivity.