Hybridization can occur when sets of different alleles from a similar genetic basis are combined by sexual reproduction to produce a genetically combined individual. The process of hybridization can occur usually after populations who used to be allopatric re-meet and reproduce. This hybridization could end in several ways. First, the hybrid could gain an advantageous niche either physically or behaviorally which would help with survival rates an could ultimately create another new species. Another outcome could be the hybrid have a disadvantage reproductively being so different from the others in its area that it is no longer able to bear offspring.
Although these outcomes directly oppose each other, they are important in analyzing how hybridization may impact biodiversity. If considering the first possibility of an advantageous hybrid, it could increase or decrease biodiversity. An increase may come as the new species is given an opportunity to evolve in specific directions that the other species that they derived from. The new species may be forced to try difference resources or times of breeding due to barely not fitting in with either the maternal or paternal sides. A decrease in biodiversity may come from a successful hybrid because it could merge two previously unique species. With the second, a decrease in fitness of the hybrid population may reinforce reproductive isolation between the two species. If an individual knows that mating with the other kind will not create successful offspring that won't live long enough to pass on their traits, it wouldn't make any sense to try and the waste energy; therefore, decreasing the biodiversity. Overall, it seems that hybridization does have the ability to increase biodiversity but is more likely to decrease it.
Sources:
https://revchilhistnat.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40693-014-0016-0
I love the meme you chose for this topic! I think the concept of speciation is extremely complex so I loved reading your concise analysis of speciation and the way you worded all the information.
ReplyDeleteImmediately had to click and read this one once I saw the picture. I agree with your statements and found them to be explained well. Hybrids are very interesting when it comes to biodiversity, when initially thinking about it, it feels as though they would be ideal to have for genetic purposes. But when further analyzing it all, when they become unable to reproduce, that's when problems arise, like the donkeys.
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