A hybrid zone is properly defined as ________.
A) an area where the ranges of two closely related species overlap but do not interbreed
B) an area where mating occurs between members of two closely related species, producing viable offspring
C) a zone where sterile hybrids form, kept separate by postzygotic barriers
D) an area where members of two closely related species intermingle, but gene flow is prevented by prezygotic barriers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hybrid zone is a region in which individuals of different species meet and mate, producing at least some offspring of mixed ancestry. Only option B correctly defines a hybrid zone. A is incorrect because if two closely related species do not interbreed, there is no mixing of their gene pools. C is incorrect because sterile hybrids cannot produce offspring, so they cannot contribute to the gene pool of either species. D is incorrect because option D describes a hybrid zone without gene flow, which is not possible since gene flow is the defining characteristic of a hybrid zone.

A Hybrid Zone Is Properly Defined as ________