Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 22 - Speciation - 22.4 - Reproductive Isolation Is Reinforced When Diverging Species Come into Contact - 22.4 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 480: 3

Answer

Hybrid zones almost never get wider over time because hybrid organisms are less fit than purebred organisms. Since a smaller number of hybrids reach maturity and reproduce, they are always selected against. This makes it highly improbably for a wider hybrid zone.

Work Step by Step

Hybrid zones almost never get wider over time because hybrid organisms are less fit than purebred organisms. Since a smaller number of hybrids reach maturity and reproduce, they are always selected against. This makes it highly improbably for a wider hybrid zone.
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