Outcomes of Hybridization: From Genes to Ecosystem Changes

We have an increasingly challenging task to maintain biodiversity, in a world that is rapidly changing due to human actions. It is therefore crucial to understand the processes that contribute to changes in biodiversity. In recent years, the application of new genomic approaches has revealed the importance of past and contemporary hybridization in the diversification of species evolution. Outcomes vary widely and might include the origin of infertile hybrids and the reduction of fitness of parental species. Yet, hybridization has been also linked to fostering rapid adaptation, enhancing genetic variation, and the potential to thrive under harsh environmental changes.

These complex and divergent outcomes are challenging but are also essential to manage biodiversity. Identifying how natural and assisted hybridization may help species adapt to increasing environmental changes, although this is far from being understood. Thus, we welcome the submission of different article types, including original research papers, methods, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives, etc., on the following – but not limited – subthemes:

- Molecular evidence for natural hybridization
- Combined action of hybridization and polyploidy
- Changes in species behavior and fitness
- Physiological performance of hybrids under stress
- Influence on species distribution ranges and habitat niches
- Consequences for species interactions
- Adaptive vs. extinction roles of hybridization
- Hybridization and species conservation

Keywords: hybrids, hybridization, polyploidy

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