Hybrid vigor between native and introduced salamanders raises new challenges for conservation.

ABSTRACT: Hybridization between differentiated lineages can have many different consequences depending on fitness variation among hybrid offspring. When introduced organisms hybridize with natives, the ensuing evolutionary dynamics may substantially complicate conservation decisions. Understanding the fitness consequences of hybridization is an important first step in predicting its evolutionary outcome and conservation impact. Here, we measured natural selection caused by differential viability of hybrid larvae in wild populations where native California Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) and introduced Barred Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium) have been hybridizing for 50-60 years. We found strong evidence of hybrid vigor; mixed-ancestry genotypes had higher survival rates t

SUBMITTER: Fitzpatrick BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2000440 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature