How Hybrid Zones Shape Species Change

Hybrid zones are narrow regions where two closely related species meet, mate, and produce hybrids. Hybrids can show different traits or genes from either parent species. Those differences can affect survival and reproductive success. Because of this, hybridization can change species diversity and influence speciation within ...

Hybrid zones are areas where the geographic ranges of two closely related species meet and overlap. This allows individuals to interbreed. For example, fire-bellied toads and yellow-bellied toads sometimes mate in regions where their habitats overlap. The offspring from these mating pairs are called hybrids.

Over time, a hybrid zone can af...