Interspecific vs intergeneric hybrids

[Bob Parcelles,Jr.]

--- Michael Gochfeld <gochfeld at EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU> wrote:
> This issue came up in the hummingbird world when a series of
> intergeneric
> hybrids was reported (maybe 30 years ago).  The idea was that
> interspecific
> hybridization was rare among closely related species since they had
> been
> selected for reproductive isolation during the process of speciation.
>  However,
> taxa in different genera (hence assumed to be less closely related)
> did not have
> the same pre-gametic selection for reproductive isolation.


Excellent points Michael, The isolating factors may be much more
ancient and therefore less inhibiting. the key is do (or did they)
produce fertile offspring.  A hard thing to study in leps.

BP

=====
Bob Parcelles, Jr 
Pinellas Park, FL 
Ecologist/Ethologist, RJP Associates
CEO, PROactive Ecology Solutions Group (PESG)
Institute of Ecological and Environmental Studies (IEES)
http://www.Ecology-Today.eboard.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/naturepotpourri

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