Hybrid (biology)

Hybridization in Biology:

• Etymology of the term ‘hybrid’ derived from Latin ‘hybrida’.
• Popular use of the term in English began in the 19th century.
• Examples of hybrids like ligers and tigons.
• Different types of hybrids in genetics: genetic, structural, numerical, and permanent hybrids.
• Genetic complementation test used to determine gene defects in mutants.
• Hybrids typically exhibit intermediate traits from both parents.
• Reproductive isolation mechanisms prevent gene flow between species.
• Sterility in hybrids often due to differences in chromosome number.
• Various barriers limit successful hybridization in species.

Hybridization in Speciation:

• Some animal species result from hybridization.
• Plant hybridization is more common than animal hybridization.
• Hybridization can play a role in speciation in certain plant groups.
• Hybrid zones are areas where two species meet and produce hybrids.
• DNA analysis confirmed grizzly-polar bear hybrids.

Hybrid Vigour and Impact:

• Hybrid offspring can exhibit heterosis, performing better than parents.
• Transgressive phenotypes show extreme characteristics.
• Plant breeders use techniques like line breeding to produce hybrids.
• Hybrid maize provides higher seed yield compared to open-pollinated varieties.
• Human activities like habitat fragmentation impact hybridization.
• Introductions of species by humans can lead to hybridization.

Genetic Mixing and Extinction:

• Hybridization can lead to the replacement of local genotypes by more fit hybrids.
• Genetic mixing can threaten regionally developed ecotypes with extinction.
• Loss of genetic diversity due to unintentional crossbreeding.
• Genetic mixing can result in the loss of originally distinct populations.
• Plant geneticists aim to breed widely adapted cultivars to counteract genetic erosion.

Hybridization in Different Taxa:

• Various taxa like mammals, felids, marine mammals, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants can produce hybrids.
• Equid hybrids like mules and hinnies are examples of reciprocal hybrids.
• Plant species hybridize more readily than animals.
• Neanderthal DNA found in modern human populations.
• Evidence of hybridization between modern humans and Neanderthals in ancient human skeletons.

Hybrid (biology) Data Sources