Influence of environment and mitochondrial heritage on the ecological characteristics of fish in a hybrid zone.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ecological characteristics (growth, morphology, reproduction) arise from the interaction between environmental factors and genetics. Genetic analysis of individuals' life history traits might be used to improve our understanding of mechanisms that form and maintain a hybrid zone.

Methodology/principal findings

A fish hybrid zone was used to characterize the process of natural selection. Data were collected during two reproductive periods (2001 and 2002) and 1117 individuals (nase, Chondrostama nasus nasus, sofie C. toxostoma toxostoma and hybrids) were sampled. Reproductive dates of the two parental species overlapped at sympatric sites. The nase had an earlier reproductive period than the sofie; males had longer reproductive periods for both species. Hybridisatio

SUBMITTER: Stolzenberg N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2693669 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature