Introduction. Extent, processes and evolutionary impact of interspecific hybridization in animals.
Since the time of Charles Darwin, studies of interspecific hybridization have been a major focus for evolutionary biologists. Although this phenomenon has often been viewed as problematic in the fields of ecology, taxonomy and systematics, it has become a primary source of data for studies on speciation and adaptation. Effects from genetic/evolutionary processes, such as recombination and natural selection, usually develop over extended periods of time; however, they are accelerated in cases of hybridization. Interspecific hybrids exhibit novel genomes that are exposed to natural selection, thus providing a key to unravel the ultimate causes of adaptation and speciation. Here we provide firstly a historic perspective of hybridization research, secondly a novel attempt to assess the extent of hybridization among animals and thirdly an overview of the reviews and case studies presented in this theme issue.
Schwenk
Klaus
K
Department of Ecology and Evolution, J. W. Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. k.schwenk@bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Brede
Nora
N
Streit
Bruno
B
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D043344:Chordata / Q000235:genetics*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000235:genetics*