Which of the following statements correctly describes a hybrid zone?
A) It provides evidence for allopatric speciation.
B) It sometimes contains individuals that are less fit than those outside of hybrid zones.
C) It sometimes contains adaptive radiations.
D) It provides evidence for the ecological species concept.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hybrid zone is a region where genetically distinct populations meet and produce hybrid offspring. In some cases, the hybrids may be less fit than the parent populations, leading to reduced gene flow between the populations and eventually resulting in speciation. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. Option A is incorrect because a hybrid zone is evidence for sympatric speciation, not allopatric speciation. Option C is incorrect because adaptive radiations occur in newly colonized regions and not in hybrid zones. Option D is incorrect because a hybrid zone does not provide evidence for the ecological species concept, as this concept is based on the ecological niche of a population rather than hybridization.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes a Hybrid Zone