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Encyclopedia > Hybrid (biology)

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This article is about a biological term. For other uses, see Hybrid (disambiguation). In biology, hybrid has two meanings.[1] The first meaning is the result of interbreeding between two animals or plants of different taxa. Hybrids between different species within the same genus are sometimes known as interspecific hybrids or crosses. Hybrids between different sub-species within a species are known as intra-specific hybrids. Hybrids between different genera are sometimes known as intergeneric hybrids. Extremely rare interfamilial hybrids have been known to occur (such as the guineafowl hybrids). The second type of "hybrid" are crosses between populations, breeds or cultivars within a single species. This second meaning is often used in plant and animal breeding. In plant and animal breeding, hybrids are commonly produced and selected because they have desirable characteristics not found or inconsistently present in the parent individuals or populations. This rearranging of the genetic material between populations or races is often called hybridization. Look up hybrid in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the song by Girls Aloud see Biology (song) Biology studies the variety of life (clockwise from top-left) E. coli, tree fern, gazelle, Goliath beetle Biology (from Greek: βίος, bio, life; and λόγος, logos, speech lit. ... A taxon (plural taxa), or taxonomic unit, is a grouping of organisms (named or unnamed). ... Genera Agelastes Numida Guttera Acryllium The guineafowl are a family of birds in the same order as the pheasants, turkeys and other game birds. ... A breed is a domesticated subspecies or infrasubspecies of an animal. ... This Osteospermum Pink Whirls is a successful cultivar. ... Contents 1 Interspecific hybrids 2 Hybrid plants 3 Hybrids in nature 3.1 Genetic pollution and Extinction 3.2 Effect on biodiversity and food security 4 Limiting factors 5 Mythical and legendary hybrids 6 Etymology 7 See also 8 References 9 External links [edit] Interspecific hybrids An example of an intraspecific hybrid is a hybrid between a Bengal tiger and an Amur (Siberian) tiger. Interspecific hybrids are bred by mating two species, normally from within the same genus. The offspring display traits and characteristics of both parents. The offspring of an interspecific cross very often are sterile; thus, hybrid sterility prevents the movement of genes from one species to the other, keeping both species distinct.[2] Sterility is often attributed to the different number of chromosomes the two species have, for example donkeys have 62 chromosomes, while horses have 64 chromosomes, and mules and hinnies have 63 chromosomes. Mules, hinnies, and other normally sterile interspecific hybrids cannot produce viable gametes because the extra chromosome cannot make a homologous pair at meiosis, meiosis is disrupted, and viable sperm and eggs are not formed. However, fertility in female mules has been reported with a donkey as the father.[3] Most often other mechanisms are used by plants and animals to keep gametic isolation and species distinction. Species often have different mating or courtship patterns or behavours, the breeding seasons may be distinct and even if mating does occur antigenic reactions to the sperm of other species prevent fertilization or embryo development. The Lonicera fly is the first known animal species that resulted from natural hybridization. Until the discovery of the Lonicera fly, this process was known to occur in nature only among plants. For other uses, see Genus (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 For other uses, see Donkey (disambiguation). ... This article is about the biological chromosome. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... For other uses, see Mule (disambiguation). ... Binomial name A hinny is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey (jennet or jenny). ... A gamete (from Ancient Greek γαμετης; translated gamete = wife, gametes = husband) is a cell that fuses with another gamete during fertilization (conception) in organisms that reproduce sexually. ... For the figure of speech, see meiosis (figure of speech). ... The Lonicera fly, a taxon in the genus Rhagoletis, is a North American fruit fly (family Tephritidae). ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Species (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Plant (disambiguation). ... While it is possible to predict the genetic composition of a backcross on average, it is not possible to accurately predict the composition of a particular backcrossed individual, due to random segregation of chromosomes. In a species with two pairs of chromosomes, a twice backcrossed individual would be predicted to contain 12.5% of one species' genome (say, species A). However, it may, in fact, still be a 50% hybrid if the chromosomes from species A were lucky in two successive segregations, and meiotic crossovers happened near the telomeres. The chance of this is fairly high, 1/2^(2×2)=1/16 (where the "two times two" comes about from two rounds of meiosis with two chromosomes); however, this probability declines markedly with chromosome number and so the actual composition of a hybrid will be increasingly closer to the predicted composition. A telomere is a region of highly repetitive DNA at the end of a linear chromosome that functions as a disposable buffer. ... Hybrids are often named by the portmanteau method, combining the names of the two parent species. For example, a zeedonk is a cross between a zebra and a donkey. Since the traits of hybrid offspring often vary depending on which species was mother and which was father, it is traditional to use the father's species as the first half of the portmanteau. For example, a liger is a cross between a male lion and a female tiger, while a tigon is a cross between a male tiger and a female lion. A portmanteau (IPA: ) is a word or morpheme that fuses two or more words or word parts to give a combined or loaded meaning. ... Binomial name A zeedonk (also spelled zedonk) (also known as zebrass, zebronkey, zonkey, zebadonk, zenkey, zebrinny, or deebra) is a cross between a zebra and a donkey. ... For other uses, see Zebra (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 For other uses, see Donkey (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Liger (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Lion (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Tiger (disambiguation). ... Tigron redirects here. ... Hybrids examples Equid hybrids Mule, a cross of female horse and a male donkey. Hinny, a cross between a female donkey and a male horse. Mule and Hinny are examples of reciprocal hybrids. For other uses, see Mule (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 For other uses, see Donkey (disambiguation). ... Binomial name A hinny is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey (jennet or jenny). ... For other uses, see Mule (disambiguation). ... Binomial name A hinny is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey (jennet or jenny). ... A "Zeedonk", a zebra/donkey hybrid A "Liger", a Lion/Tiger hybrid A "Jaglion", a Jaguar/Lion hybrid Zebroids Zeedonk or Zonkey, a zebra/donkey cross. Zorse, a zebra/horse cross Zony or Zetland, a zebra/pony cross ("zony" is a generic term; "zetland" is specifically a hybrid of the Shetland pony breed with a zebra) Bovid hybrids Dzo, zo or yakow; a cross between a domestic cow/bull and a yak. Beefalo, a cross of an American Bison and a domestic cow. This is a fertile breed; this along with genetic evidence has caused them to be recently reclassified into the same genus, Bos. Zubron, a hybrid between Wisent (European Bison) and domestic cow. Sheep-goat hybrids, such as the The Toast of Botswana. Ursid hybrids, such as the Grizzly-polar bear hybrid, occur between black bears, brown bears, Kodiak and polar bears. Felid hybrids Savannah cats are the hybrid cross between an African serval cat and a Domestic cat Ligers and Tigons (crosses between a Lion and a Tiger) and other Panthera hybrids such as the Lijagulep. Various other wild cat crosses are known involving the Lynx, Bobcat, Leopard, Serval, etc. Bengal cat, a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and the domestic cat, one of many hybrids between the domestic cat and wild cat species. The domestic cat, African wild cat and European wildcat may be considered variant populations of the same species (Felis silvestris), making such crosses non-hybrids. Fertile Canid hybrids occur between coyotes, wolves, dingoes, jackals and domestic dogs. Dogs and wolves may be considered the same species, making wolfdogs a non-hybrid. Hybrids between Black Rhinos & White Rhinos have been recognized. Hybrids between spotted owls and barred owls Cama, a cross between a Camel and a Llama, also an intergeneric hybrid. Wolphin, a fertile but very rare cross between a False Killer Whale and a Bottlenose Dolphin. A fertile cross between an albino King Snake and an albino Corn Snake. At Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom, a cross between African elephant (male) and Asian elephant (female). The male calf was named Motty. It died of gut infection after twelve days. Cagebird breeders sometimes breed hybrids between species of finch, such as Goldfinch x Canary. These birds are known as Mules. Gamebird hybrids, hybrids between gamebirds and domestic fowl, including Chickens, Guineafowl and Peafowl, interfamilial hybrids. Numerous Macaw hybrids are also known. Red Kite x Black Kite: 5 bred unintentionally at a falconry center in England. (It is reported that the black kite (the male) refused female black kites but mated with two female red kites.) Hybridization between the endemic Cuban Crocodile (Crocodilus rhombifer) and the widely distributed American Crocodile (Crocodilus acutus) is causing conservation problems for the former species as a threat to is genetic integrity. [4] Blood parrot cichlid, which is probably created by crossing a Gold Severum and a Midas Cichlid or Red Devil Cichlid Some dog hybrids are becoming increasingly popular and are bred selectively. A donkey / zebra hybrid (called a Zeedonk by Colchester Zoo). ... A donkey / zebra hybrid (called a Zeedonk by Colchester Zoo). ... Image File history File links Ligertrainer. ... Image File history File links Ligertrainer. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... A zebra/donkey hybrid A zebroid is a cross between a zebra and any other equid: essentially, a zebra hybrid. ... Binomial name A zeedonk (also spelled zedonk) (also known as zebrass, zebronkey, zonkey, zebadonk, zenkey, zebrinny, or deebra) is a cross between a zebra and a donkey. ... For other uses, see Zebra (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 For other uses, see Donkey (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that Zebrula be merged into this article or section. ... A zony is the offspring of a zebra stallion and a pony mare. ... A Shetland Pony A pony is any of several horse breeds with a specific conformation and temperament. ... // Intraspecific Bos Hybrids In The Variation Of Animals And Plants Under Domestication Charles Darwin wrote Bos primigenius and longifrons have been ranked by nearly all palaeontologists as distinct species; and it would not be reasonable to take a different view simply because their domesticated descendants now intercross with the utmost... A Dzo is a male hybrid of a yak and a domesticated cow. ... For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ... For other uses, see Yak (disambiguation). ... Beefalo are a fertile hybrid offspring of domestic cattle, Bos taurus, and the American Bison, Bison bison (generally called buffalo). ... Binomial name (Linnaeus, 1758) Subspecies B. b. ... For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ... Å»ubroÅ„ (pronounce: ) is a species of mammals, a hybrid of domestic cattle and Wisent. ... Binomial name (Linnaeus, 1758) A wisent (Å»ubr) The Wisent or European Bison (Bison bonasus) (pronounced ) is a bison species and the heaviest land animal in Europe. ... Binomial name Bison bonasus (Linnaeus, 1758) The Wisent (pronounced vE-zent) is the European bison, species Bison bonasus. ... For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ... A sheep–goat hybrid is the hybrid offspring of a sheep and a goat. ... An unusual case of a sheep-goat hybrid was reported by veterinarians in Botswana in 2000. ... An ursid hybrid is an animal with parents from two different species or subspecies of the Ursidae (bear) family. ... A grizzly-polar bear hybrid is a rare ursid hybrid that has occurred both in captivity and in the wild. ... There are a number of hybrids between various felid species. ... The Savannah is a hybrid domestic cat breed. ... Binomial name (Schreber, 1776) Serval range The Serval (Leptailurus serval) is a medium-sized African wild cat. ... Trinomial name Felis silvestris catus Schreber, 1775 For alternative meanings see cat (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Liger (disambiguation). ... Tigron redirects here. ... For other uses, see Lion (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Tiger (disambiguation). ... There are a number of hybrids of Panthera genus. ... A Congolese Spotted Lion or more correctly lijagulep is the hybrid of a female leopard/jaguar cross (a jagulep or lepjag) with a male lion. ... For other uses, see Lynx (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Bobcat (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Leopard (disambiguation). ... Binomial name (Schreber, 1776) Serval range The Serval (Leptailurus serval) is a medium-sized African wild cat. ... The Bengal cat is a relatively new breed of domestic housecat (Felis silvestris catus) developed to have a gentle and friendly temperament, while exhibiting the markings (such as spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). ... Binomial name Felis bengalensis (Kerr, 1792) The Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) is a small wild cat of Southeast Asia. ... Binomial name Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Felis lybica invalid junior synonym The cat (or domestic cat, house cat) is a small carnivorous mammal. ... Canid hybrids are the result of interbreeding between different species of the canine (dog) family (Canidae). ... For other uses, see Coyote (disambiguation). ... Wolf Wolf Man Mount Wolf Wolf Prizes Wolf Spider Wolf 424 Wolf 359 Wolf Point Wolf-herring Frank Wolf Friedrich Wolf Friedrich August Wolf Hugo Wolf Johannes Wolf Julius Wolf Max Franz Joseph Cornelius Wolf Maximilian Wolf Rudolf Wolf Thomas Wolf As Name Wolf Breidenbach Wolf Hirshorn Other The call... For other uses, see Dingo (disambiguation). ... Species Canis aureus Canis adustus Canis mesomelas A jackal (from Turkish çakal, via Persian shaghal ultimately from Sanskrit sá¹›gālaḥ [1][2]) is any of three (sometimes four) small to medium-sized members of the family Canidae, found in Africa, Asia and Southeastern Europe. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... This Czechoslovakian Wolfdog shows a strongly wolf-like appearance A wolfdog (also called a wolf hybrid or wolf-dog hybrid) is a canid hybrid resulting from the mating of a female wolf (Canis lupus) and a male dog (Canis lupus familiaris). ... Binomial name Diceros bicornis The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a mammal of the Perissodactyla order which lives in the eastern areas of Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. ... Binomial name Ceratotherium simum Burchell, 1817 The White Rhinoceros or Square-lipped rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is one of the five species of rhinoceros that still exists and is one of the few megaherbivore species left. ... Binomial name Xantus de Vesey, 1860 The Spotted Owl, Strix occidentalis, is a species of owl. ... Binomial name Barton, 1799 The Barred Owl, Strix varia, is a large typical owl. ... A Cama is a hybrid between a camel and a llama. ... For other uses, see Camel (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Llama (disambiguation). ... Keikaimalu the wholphin (bottom), with her parents: a false killer whale (top) and a bottlenose dolphin (middle) A wholphin or wolphin is a rare hybrid, formed from a cross between a bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (mother), and a false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens (father). ... Binomial name (Owen, 1846) False Killer Whale range The False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens) is a cetacean and one of the larger members of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). ... Binomial name Montagu, 1821 Bottlenose Dolphin range (in blue) The Bottlenose Dolphin is the most common and well-known dolphin. ... Albinism is a genetic condition resulting in a lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. ... Species Lampropeltis alterna Lampropeltis calligaster Lampropeltis getula Lampropeltis mexicana Lampropeltis pyromelana Lampropeltis ruthveni Lampropeltis triangulum Lampropeltis zonata The genus Lampropeltis of colubrid snakes includes the King snakes and also the milk snake. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1766 The Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) or Red Rat Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a North American species of Rat Snake. ... Chester Zoo is a Zoological Garden located in the North of England. ... Distribution of Loxodonta africana (2007) Species Loxodonta adaurora (extinct) Loxodonta africana Loxodonta cyclotis African elephants are the two species of elephants in the genus Loxodonta, one of the two existing genera in Elephantidae. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 Asian Elephant range The Asian or Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus), sometimes known by the name of its nominate subspecies (the Indian Elephant), is one of the three living species of elephant, and the only living species of the genus Elephas. ... Motty was the only proved hybrid between an Asian and an African elephant. ... For other meanings, see Finch (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Carduelis tristis (Linnaeus, 1758) The Eastern or American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is a typical North American seed-eating member of the finch (Fringillidae) family, averaging 11 cm in length. ... Binomial name Serinus canaria (Linnaeus, 1758) The Canary (Serinus canaria) sometimes called the Island Canary, Wild Canary or Atlantic Canary, is a small bird in the finch family. ... The British finches are made up of several species of Finch which were formerly very popular as cage birds in Great Britain. ... This page relates to hybrids of game-birds, including ducks, with each other and with domestic poultry. ... Alternate uses: Chicken (disambiguation) Binomial name Gallus gallus (Linnaeus, 1758) A chicken is a type of domesticated bird which is usually raised as a type of poultry. ... Genera Agelastes Numida Guttera Acryllium The guineafowl are a family of birds in the same order as the pheasants, turkeys and other game birds. ... Peacock redirects here. ... Genera Ara Anodorhynchus Cyanopsitta Primolius Orthopsittaca Diopsittaca For other uses, see Macaw (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Milvus milvus Linnaeus, 1758 The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. ... Binomial name Milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783) The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. ... Flying a Saker Falcon Falconry or hawking is an art or sport which involves the use of trained raptors (birds of prey) to hunt or pursue game for humans. ... Binomial name Crocodylus rhombiferCuvier, 1807 The Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is a small species (8 feet average length) native only to Cubas Zapata Swamp, and highly endangered, though it formerly ranged throughout the Caribbean, possibly even into Florida. ... Binomial name (Cuvier, 1807) The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is one of the four species of New World crocodile and the most wide-spread in range. ... Blood parrot cichilds The Blood parrot (also known as bloody parrot and blood parrotfish; no binomial nomenclature) is a hybrid cichlid. ... Binomial name Heros severus The severum, Heros severus (previously known as Cichlasoma severum), is a freshwater tropical cichlid native to the Amazon region in South America. ... This dog is cross between a pointer and a dalmatian. ... Selective breeding in domesticated animals is the process of developing a cultivated breed over time. ... Hybrids should not be confused with chimaeras such as the chimera between sheep and goat known as the geep. Wider interspecific hybrids can be made via in vitro fertilization or somatic hybridization, however the resulting cells are not able to develop into a full organism. An example of interspecific hybrid cell lines is the humster (hamster x human) cells. It has been suggested that Chimarism be merged into this article or section. ... Species See text. ... This article is about the domestic species. ... A geep is a chimera produced by combining the embryos of a goat and a sheep; the resulting animal has cells of both sheep and goat origin. ... In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a technique in which egg cells are fertilized outside the mothers body in cases where conception is difficult or impossible through normal intercourse. ... A hybrid cell line made from hamster oocyte fertilized with human sperm routinely created for mainly two reasons: To avoid legal issues with working with pure human embryonic stem cell lines. ... [edit] Hybrid plants Plant species hybridize more readily than animal species, and the resulting hybrids are more often fertile hybrids and may reproduce, though there still exist sterile hybrids and selective hybrid elimination where the offspring are less able to survive and are thus eliminated before they can reproduce. A number of plant species are the result of hybridization and polyploidy with many plant species easily cross pollinating and producing viable seeds, the distinction between each species is often maintained by geographical isolation or differences in the flowering period. Animals, being more mobile, have developed complex mating behaviors that maintain the species boundary and when hybrids do occur, natural selection tends to weed them out of the population since these hybrids generally can not find mates that will accept them or they are less adapted and fit for survival in their habitats. Since plants hybridize frequently without much work, they are often created by humans in order to produce improved plants. These improvements can include the production of more or improved; seeds, fruits or other plant parts for consumption, or to make a plant more winter or heat hardy or improve its growth and/or appearance for use in horticulture. Much work is now being done with hybrids to produce more disease resistant plants for both agricultural and horticultural crops. In many groups of plants hybridization has been used to produce larger and more showy flowers and new flower colors. Polyploidy refers to cells or organisms that contain more than two copies of each of their chromosomes. ... A sterile Trillium hybrid between Trillium cernuum and Trillium grandiflorum Many plant genera and species have their origins in polyploidy. Autopolyploidy resulting from the sudden multiplication in the number of chromosomes in typical normal populations caused by unsuccessful separation of the chromosomes during meiosis. Tetraploids or plants with four sets of chromosomes are common in a number of different groups of plants and over time these plants can differentiate into distinct species from the normal diploid line. In Oenothera lamarchiana the diploid species has 14 chromosomes, this species has spontaneously given rise to plants with 28 chromosomes that have been given the name Oenthera gigas. Tetraploids can develop into a breeding population within the diploid population and when hybrids are formed with the diploid population the resulting offspring tend to be sterile triploids, thus effectively stopping the intermixing of genes between the two groups of plants(unless the diploids, in rare cases, produce unreduced gametes) Another form of polyploidy called allopolyploidy occurs when two different species mate and produce hybrids. Usually the typical chromosome number is doubled in successful allopolyploid species, with four sets of chromosomes the genotypes can sort out to form a complete diploid set from the parent species, thus they can produce fertile offspring that can mate and reproduce with each other but can not back-cross with the parent species. Allopolyploidy in plants often gives them a condition called hybrid vigour, which results in plants that are larger and stronger growing than either of the two parent species. Allopolyploids are often more aggressive growing and can be invaders of new habitats. Sterility in a hybrid is often a result of chromosome number; if parents are of differing chromosome pair number, the offspring will have an odd number of chromosomes, leaving them unable to produce chromosomally balanced gametes.[4] While this is a negative in a crop such as wheat, when growing a crop which produces no seeds would be pointless, it is an attractive attribute in some fruits. Bananas and seedless watermelon, for instance, are intentionally bred to be triploid, so that they will produce no seeds. Many hybrids are created by humans, but natural hybrids occur as well. Plant hybrids, especially, are often stronger than either parent variety, a phenomenon which when present is known as hybrid vigour (heterosis) or heterozygote advantage.[5] Plant breeders make use of a number of techniques to produce hybrids, including line breeding and the formation of complex hybrids. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Binomial name Trillium cernuum L. Trillium cernuum (Nodding Trillium) is a species of Trillium found in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. ... Binomial name Trillium grandiflorum (Michx. ... A scheme of a condensed (metaphase) chromosome. ... This article is about the biological chromosome. ... Gametes (in Greek: γαμέτες) —also known as sex cells, germ cells, or spores—are the specialized cells that come together during fertilization (conception) in organisms that reproduce sexually. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 Wheat Wheat For the indie rock group, see Wheat (band). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For the political designation, see Eco-socialism. ... Polyploid (in Greek: πολλαπλόν - multiple) cells or organisms contain more than one copy (ploidy) of their chromosomes. ... Heterosis is increased strength of different characteristics in hybrids; the possibility to obtain a better individual by combining the virtues of its parents. ... Plant breeding is the purposeful manipulation of plant species in order to create desired genotypes and phenotypes for specific purposes. ... Some plant hybrids include: Leyland Cypress, a hybrid between Monterey Cypress and Nootka Cypress. Limequat, lime and kumquat hybrid. Loganberry, a hybrid between raspberry and blackberry. London Plane, a hybrid between Oriental plane and American plane (American sycamore). Peppermint, a hybrid between spearmint and water mint. Tangelo, a hybrid of a Mandarin orange and a pomelo or a grapefruit which may have been developed in Asia about 3,500 years ago. Triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid. Wheat; most modern and ancient wheat breeds are themselves hybrids. Some natural hybrids are: Species Cupressus × leylandii also: Cupressus × notabilis Cupressus × ovensii The Leyland Cypress, Cupressus × leylandii, is often referred to as just Leylandii. ... Binomial name Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw. ... Binomial name Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) Örsted Nootka Cypress (Callitropsis nootkatensis), formerly Cupressus nootkatensis, Xanthocyparis nootkatensis or Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, is a cypress (Cupressaceae) with a chequered taxonomic and nomenclatural history. ... Binomial name Citrus × Fortunella (L.) Burm. ... Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Species See text Potted kumquat trees at a kumquat liqueur distillery on Corfu. ... Binomial name Rubus loganobaccus L.H. Bailey The loganberry (Rubus loganobaccus) is a hybrid produced from crossing a blackberry and a raspberry. ... Cultivated raspberries The raspberry (plural, raspberries) is the edible fruit of a number of species of the genus Rubus. ... This article is about the fruit. ... Binomial name Platanus x hispanica Muenchh. ... Binomial name Platanus orientalis L. The Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis L.) is a very large, widespreading, and long-lived deciduous tree in the Platanaceae family. ... Binomial name L. The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), also known as American plane, Occidental plane, and Buttonwood, is one of the species of Platanus native to North America. ... Binomial name Mentha × piperita L. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a (usually) sterile hybrid mint, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). ... Binomial name Mentha spicata Crantz Spearmint (Mentha spicata, syn ) is a species of mint native to central and southern Europe, where it grows in wet soils. ... Binomial name Mentha aquatica L. Water mint (Mentha aquatica) is a perennial plant in the mentha genus common throughout Europe, except for the extreme North. ... Binomial name ??? The tangelo is a citrus fruit that is a hybrid of any mandarin orange, popularly known as a tangerine, and either a pomelo or a grapefruit. ... Binomial name The Mandarin orange or mandarin (瓯柑) is a small citrus tree (Citrus reticulata) with fruit resembling the orange. ... Binomial name Merr. ... Binomial name Macfad. ... Triticale Triticale (x Triticosecale) is an artificial or man-made hybrid of rye and wheat first bred in laboratories during the late 19th century. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 Wheat Wheat For the indie rock group, see Wheat (band). ... Binomial name Secale cereale M.Bieb. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 Wheat Wheat For the indie rock group, see Wheat (band). ... White Flag Iris, a sterile hybrid which spreads by rhizome division Evening primrose, a flower which was the subject of famous experiments by Hugo de Vries on polyploidy and diploidy. Some horticultural hybrids: Binomial name Iris albicans Lange Iris albicans, also known as the Cemetery Iris, White Cemetery Iris, or the White Flag Iris, is a species of iris which was planted on graves in Muslem regions and grows in many countries throughout the Middle East and northern Africa. ... Species About 125, including: Oenothera acaulis Oenothera albicaulis Oenothera argillicola Oenothera biennis Oenothera brachycarpa Oenothera caespitosa Oenothera californica Oenothera coronopifolia Oenothera coryi Oenothera deltoides Oenothera drummondii Oenothera elata Oenothera erythrosepala Oenothera flava Oenothera fruticosa Oenothera glazioviana Oenothera hookeri Oenothera jamesii Oenothera kunthiana Oenothera laciniata Oenothera longissima Oenothera macrocarpa Oenothera missouriensis... Hugo de Vries, ca. ... Polyploidy refers to cells or organisms that contain more than two copies of each of their chromosomes. ... Diploid (meaning double in Greek) cells have two copies (homologs) of each chromosome (both sex- and non-sex determining chromosomes), usually one from the mother and one from the father. ... Dianthus ×allwoodii, is a hybrid between Dianthus caryophyllus × Dianthus plumarius. This is an "interspecific hybrid" or hybrid between two species in the same genus. ×Heucherella tiarelloides, or Heuchera sanguinea × Tiarella cordifolia is an "intergeneric hybrid" a hybrid between two different genera. [edit] Hybrids in nature Hybridisation between two closely related species is actually a common occurrence in nature. Many hybrid zones are known where the ranges of two species meet, and hybrids are continually produced in great numbers. These hybrid zones are useful as biological model systems for studying the mechanisms of speciation (Hybrid speciation). Recently DNA analysis of a bear shot by a hunter in the North West Territories confirmed the existence of naturally occurring and fertile polar bear/grizzly bear hybrids.[6] There have been reports of similar supposed hybrids, but this is the first to be confirmed by DNA analysis. In 1943, Clara Helgason described a male bear shot by hunters during her childhood. It was large and off-white with hair all over its paws. The presence of hair on the bottom of the feet suggests it was a natural hybrid of Kodiak and Polar bear. The Hybrid Zone is an overlap range of 2 species that can reproduce effectively producing offspring that are infertile (a hybrid of the 2 species, hence the name). ... Charles Darwins first sketch of an evolutionary tree from his First Notebook on Transmutation of Species (1837) Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new biological species arise. ... Hybridization between two different species sometimes leads to a distinct phenotype. ... ... This article is about the animal. ... For the Brooklyn-based indie rock band, see Grizzly Bear (band). ... In some species, hybridisation plays an important role in evolutionary biology. While most hybrids are disadvantaged as a result of genetic incompatibility, the fittest survive, regardless of species boundaries. They may have a beneficial combination of traits allowing them to exploit new habitats or to succeed in a marginal habitat where the two parent species are disadvantaged. This has been seen in experiments on sunflower species. Unlike mutation, which affects only one gene, hybridisation creates multiple variations across genes or gene combinations simultaneously. Successful hybrids could evolve into new species within 50-60 generations. This leads some scientists to speculate that life is a genetic continuum rather than a series of self-contained species. Where there are two closely related species living in the same area, less than 1 in 1000 individuals are likely to be hybrids because animals rarely choose a mate from a different species (otherwise species boundaries would completely break down). In some closely related species there are recognized "hybrid zones". Some species of Heliconius butterflies exhibit dramatic geographical polymorphism of their wing patterns, which act as aposematic signals advertising their unpalatability to potential predators. Where different-looking geographical races abut, inter-racial hybrids are common, healthy and fertile. Heliconius hybrids can breed with other hybrid individuals and with individuals of either parental race. These hybrid backcrosses are disadvantaged by natural selection because they lack the parental form's warning coloration, and are therefore not avoided by predators. A similar case in mammals is hybrid White-Tail/Mule Deer. The hybrids don't inherit either parent's escape strategy. White-tail Deer dash while Mule Deer bound. The hybrids are easier prey than the parent species. In birds, healthy Galapagos Finch hybrids are relatively common, but their beaks are intermediate in shape and less efficient feeding tools than the specialised beaks of the parental species so they lose out in the competition for food. Following a major storm in 1983, the local habitat changed so that new types of plants began to flourish, and in this changed habitat, the hybrids had an advantage over the birds with specialised beaks - demonstrating the role of hybridization in exploiting new ecological niches. If the change in environmental conditions is permanent or is radical enough that the parental species cannot survive, the hybrids become the dominant form. Otherwise, the parental species will re-establish themselves when the environmental change is reversed, and hybrids will remain in the minority. Natural hybrids may occur when a species is introduced into a new habitat. In Britain, there is hybridisation of native European Red Deer and introduced Chinese Sika Deer. Conservationists want to protect the Red Deer, but evolution favors the Sika Deer genes. There is a similar situation with White-headed Ducks and Ruddy Ducks. [edit] Genetic pollution and Extinction Main article: Genetic pollution Regionally developed ecotypes can be threatened with extinction when new genes are introduced that alter that ecotype, this is sometimes called Genetic Pollution.[7] Hybridization and introgression of new genetic material can lead to the replacement of local genotypes when the hybrids with new genes are more fit and have breeding advantages over the indigenous ecotype or species.[8] Nonnative species can alter native plants and animals by hybridization and genetic integration. These genetic changes can result from the purposeful or accidental introduction of non native genotypes by humans or through habitat modification, bringing previously isolated species into contact. Genetic mixing can be especially detrimental for rare species in isolated habitats, the resulting hybrids might replace the original species genotype, ultimately effecting the population to such a degree than none of the originally genetically distinct population remains.[9][10]. Genetic pollution, genetic contamination or genetic swamping happens when original set of naturally evolved (wild) region specific genes / gene pool of wild animals and plants become hybridized with domesticated and feral varieties or with the genes of other nonnative wild species or subspecies from neighboring or far away regions. ... An ecotype of a species is subgroup of members of that species characterized by the ecological surroundings it inhabits. ... For other uses, see Extinction (disambiguation). ... Genetic pollution, genetic contamination or genetic swamping happens when original set of naturally evolved (wild) region specific genes / gene pool of wild animals and plants become hybridized with domesticated and feral varieties or with the genes of other nonnative wild species or subspecies from neighboring or far away regions. ... Introgression is a term used in genetics, particularly plant genetics, to describe the movement of a gene from one species into the gene pool of another by backcrossing an interspecific hybrid with one of its parents. ... The genotype is the specific genetic makeup (the specific genome) of an individual, usually in the form of DNA. It codes for the phenotype of that individual. ... Fitness (often denoted in population genetics models) is a central concept in evolutionary theory. ... [edit] Effect on biodiversity and food security Main articles: biodiversity and food security In agriculture and animal husbandry, the green revolutions use of conventional hybridization increased yields by creating "high-yielding varieties". Local governments and industry have been pushing hybridization, effecting the use and genetic distinctiveness of several wild and indigenous breeds that have been selected locally. Often the indigenous breeds after many years of selection have developed higher resistance to local extremes in climate and immunity to local diseases etc. The replacement of locally indigenous breeds, compounded with unintentional cross-pollination and crossbreeding (genetic pollution), has reduced the gene pools of various wild and indigenous breeds resulting in genetic erosion and genetic pollution with the loss of genetic diversity. [11] Rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth Biodiversity is the variation of taxonomic life forms within a given ecosystem, biome or for the entire Earth. ... Subsistence farmers with a Treadle Pump. ... Shepherd with his sheep in FăgăraÅŸ Mountains, Romania. ... The Green Revolution was the worldwide transformation of agriculture that led to significant increases in agricultural production between the 1940s and 1960s. ... High-yielding varieties (HYVs) are any of a group of genetically enhanced cultivars of crops such as rice, maize and wheat that have an increased growth rate, an increased percentage of usable plant parts or an increased resistance against crop diseases. ... Genetic pollution, genetic contamination or genetic swamping happens when original set of naturally evolved (wild) region specific genes / gene pool of wild animals and plants become hybridized with domesticated and feral varieties or with the genes of other nonnative wild species or subspecies from neighboring or far away regions. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Genetic diversity is a characteristic of ecosystems and gene pools that describes an attribute which is commonly held to be advantageous for survival -- that there are many different versions of otherwise similar organisms. ... A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using the genetic engineering techniques generally known as recombinant DNA technology. Genetic Engineering is feared by some to be another serious cause of genetic pollution because artificially created and genetically engineered plants and animals in laboratories, which could never have evolved in nature even with conventional hybridization.[12][13][14][15][16] GloFish: the first genetically modified animal to be sold as a pet. ... Life on Earth redirects here. ... For other uses, see Gene (disambiguation). ... Kenyans examining insect-resistant transgenic Bt corn. ... Kenyans examining insect-resistant transgenic Bt corn. ... Recombinant DNA technology adds/replaces DNA in an organism resulting in the recipient organism containing exogenous DNA. Recombinant proteins are proteins that are produced by different genetically modified organisms following insertion of the relevant DNA into their genome. ... [edit] Limiting factors A number of conditions exist that limit the success of hybridization, the most obvious is great genetic diversity between most species. But in animals and plants that are more closely related hybridization barriers include morphological differences, differing times of fertility, mating behaviors and cues, physiological rejection of sperm cells or the developing embryo. In plants, barriers to hybridization include blooming period differences, different pollinator vectors, inhibition of pollen tube growth, somatoplastic sterility, cytoplasmic-genic male sterility and structural differences of the chromosomes.[17] [edit] Mythical and legendary hybrids In ancient folktales many fictional hybrids have become part of the mythological narrative. Many mythological creatures are simple composites of known animals: Basilisk and Cockatrice - both a combination of a cockerel and lizard or snake. Bonnacon - a mixture between a horse and a bull. Chimera - a fire breathing mixture between a goat, a snake, and a lion. Griffin - beast with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Manticore - the face of a man, the body of a lion and the tail of a scorpion. Mermaid and Merman - half fish, half human. Satyr - the torso of a man, the legs and feet of a goat. Some mythological hybrids were said to be the result of two species mixing. For other uses, see Basilisk (disambiguation). ... Cockatrice A cockatrice is a legendary creature, an ornament in the drama and poetry of the Elizabethans (Breiner). ... ... lizards are pink and become very aggressive when they see other females. ... For other uses, see Snake (disambiguation). ... The Bonnacon (also called the Bonacon or the Bonasus) is a mythical animal from Asia. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ... For other uses, see Chimera. ... This article is about the domestic species. ... For other uses, see Lion (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Griffin (disambiguation). ... Genera Several, see below. ... Manticore illustration from The History of Four-footed Beasts (1607) For other uses, see Manticore (disambiguation). ... Superfamilies Pseudochactoidea Buthoidea Chaeriloidea Chactoidea Iuroidea Scorpionoidea See classification for families. ... For other uses, see Mermaid (disambiguation). ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... For other uses, see Fish (disambiguation). ... A bald, bearded, horse-tailed satyr balances a winecup on his erect penis, a trick worthy of note, on an Attic red-figured psykter, ca. ... Centaur - the offspring of Centaurus and the mares of Thessaly. Has the body of a horse with its neck and head replaced by the torso and head of a man. Harpy - the torso of a woman with the wings and feet of a bird. Hippogriff - the offspring of a griffin and a horse, typically a male griffin and a mare. Minotaur - the offspring of Pasiphaë and a white bull. Has the body of a man and the head of a bull. Nephilim - the offspring of a fallen angel and human woman. This article is about the mythological creatures. ... In Greek mythology, Centaurus was the founder of the Centaur race - a breed of half-men, half-horse warriors that inhabited northern Greece. ... 13 year old Peruvian Paso mare A broodmare and foal In English, a mare (an old Germanic word) is a female horse; the word is also an etymological root of marshal (originally marescalcus horse servant). Mares are considered easier to handle than males, which are called stallions or after castration... Map showing Thessaly periphery in Greece Thessaly (Θεσσαλια; modern Greek Thessalía; see also List of traditional Greek place names) is one of the 13 peripheries of Greece, and is further sub-divided into 4 prefectures. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... Harpy (from Latin: Harpyia, Greek: Άρπυια, Harpuia, pl. ... Roger Delivering Angelica by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, painted 1819, portrays the scene from Orlando furioso in which Roger, mounted on a hippogriff, rescues Angelique. ... This article is about the mythological monster. ... In Greek mythology, Pasiphaë (Eng. ... For other uses, see Nephilim (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Fallen angel (disambiguation). ... [edit] Etymology The word has a Latin root: hybrida (or ibrida) which in turn is a loan-word related to greek hubris (ὕβρις, meaning overbearing pride, outrage), and was meant to be "the offspring of a tame sow and wild boar", probably in interpreting such an offspring as a result of an outrageous "interracial miscegenation". The term entered into popular use in English in the 19th century, though examples of its use have been found from the early 17th century.[18] A loanword (or a borrowing) is a word taken in by one language from another. ... Hubris or hybris (Greek ), according to its modern usage, is exaggerated self pride or self-confidence (overbearing pride), often resulting in fatal retribution. ... Frederick Douglass with his second wife Helen Pitts Douglass (sitting) who was white, a famous 19th century American example of miscegenation. ... [edit] See also Artificial selection Bengal cat Bird hybrids Chimera (genetics) Chimera (mythology) Canid hybrid Felid hybrids F1 hybrids Genetic Engineering Genetic erosion Genetic pollution Heterosis / Hybrid Vigor Human-animal hybrid / Parahuman Hybrid names (botany) Hybrid speciation Hybrid zone Hybrot Inbreeding Macropod hybrids Natural selection Purebred Selective breeding Sheep-goat hybrids Species barrier Savannah cat This Chihuahua mix and Great Dane show the wide range of dog breed sizes created using artificial selection. ... The Bengal cat is a relatively new breed of domestic housecat (Felis silvestris catus) developed to have a gentle and friendly temperament, while exhibiting the markings (such as spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). ... A bird hybrid is basically a bird that has two different species as parents. ... It has been suggested that Chimarism be merged into this article or section. ... For other uses, see Chimera. ... Canid hybrids are the result of interbreeding between different species of the canine (dog) family (Canidae). ... There are a number of hybrids between various felid species. ... F1 hybrids is a term used in genetics and selective breeding. ... Kenyans examining insect-resistant transgenic Bt corn. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Genetic pollution, genetic contamination or genetic swamping happens when original set of naturally evolved (wild) region specific genes / gene pool of wild animals and plants become hybridized with domesticated and feral varieties or with the genes of other nonnative wild species or subspecies from neighboring or far away regions. ... Heterosis is increased strength of different characteristics in hybrids; the possibility to obtain a better individual by combining the virtues of its parents. ... This article lacks information on the importance of the subject matter. ... In botanical nomenclature, a hybrid may (or may not) be given a hybrid name. ... Hybridization between two different species sometimes leads to a distinct phenotype. ... The Hybrid Zone is an overlap range of 2 species that can reproduce effectively producing offspring that are infertile (a hybrid of the 2 species, hence the name). ... A hybrot A hybrot (short for hybrid robot) is a cybernetic organism in the form of a robot controlled by a computer consisting of both electronic and biological elements. ... Inbreeding is breeding between close relatives, whether plant or animal. ... Macropod hybrids are hybrids of animals within the family Macropodidae. ... For other uses, see Natural selection (disambiguation). ... Purebreds, also called purebreeds, are cultivated varieties or cultivars of an animal species, achieved through the process of selective breeding. ... Selective breeding in domesticated animals is the process of developing a cultivated breed over time. ... A sheep–goat hybrid is the hybrid offspring of a sheep and a goat. ... Charles Darwins first sketch of an evolutionary tree from his First Notebook on Transmutation of Species (1837) Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new biological species arise. ... The Savannah is a hybrid domestic cat breed. ... [edit] References ^ Keeton, William T. 1980. Biological science. New York: Norton. ISBN 0-393-95021-2 page A9. ^ ISBN 0-393-95021-2 Page 800 ^ McBeath S, Tan PP, Bai Q, Speed RM. (1988). ^ http://www.colorado.edu/MCDB/MCDB2150Fall/notes00/L0033.html ^ Evaluating the utility of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model for understanding heterosis in hybrid crops Journal Euphytica Publisher Springer Netherlands ISSN 0014-2336 (Print) 1573-5060 (Online) Issue Volume 156, Numbers 1-2 / July, 2007 DOI 10.1007/s10681-007-9362-1 Pages 157-171 ^ "Hybrid bear shot dead in Canada", BBC News, 2006-05-13.  ^ Hybridization and Introgression; Extinctions; from "The evolutionary impact of invasive species; by H. A. Mooney and E. E. Cleland" Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001 May 8; 98(10): 5446–5451. doi: 10.1073/pnas.091093398. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, v.98(10); May 8, 2001, The National Academy of Sciences ^ Glossary: definitions from the following publication: Aubry, C., R. Shoal and V. Erickson. 2005. Grass cultivars: their origins, development, and use on national forests and grasslands in the Pacific Northwest. USDA Forest Service. 44 pages, plus appendices.; Native Seed Network (NSN), Institute for Applied Ecology, 563 SW Jefferson Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA ^ EXTINCTION BY HYBRIDIZATION AND INTROGRESSION; by Judith M. Rhymer , Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA; and Daniel Simberloff, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA; Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, November 1996, Vol. 27, Pages 83-109 (doi: 10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.27.1.83), [1] ^ Genetic Pollution from Farm Forestry using eucalypt species and hybrids; A report for the RIRDC/L&WA/FWPRDC; Joint Venture Agroforestry Program; by Brad M. Potts, Robert C. Barbour, Andrew B. Hingston; September 2001; RIRDC Publication No 01/114; RIRDC Project No CPF - 3A; ISBN 0 642 58336 6; ISSN 1440-6845; Australian Government, Rural Industrial Research and Development Corporation ^ “Genetic Pollution: The Great Genetic Scandal”; Devinder Sharma., [2] ^ THE YEAR IN IDEAS: A TO Z.; Genetic Pollution; By MICHAEL POLLAN, The New York Times, December 9, 2001 ^ Dangerous Liaisons? When Cultivated Plants Mate with Their Wild Relatives; by Norman C. Ellstrand; The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003; 268 pp. hardcover , $ 65; ISBN 0-8018-7405-X. Book Reviewed in: Hybrids abounding; Nature Biotechnology 22, 29 - 30 (2004) doi:10.1038/nbt0104-29; Reviewed by: Steven H Strauss & Stephen P DiFazio; 1 Steve Strauss is in the Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5752, USA. steve.strauss@oregonstate.edu; 2 Steve DiFazio is at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Bldg. 1059, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6422 USA. difazios@ornl.gov. ^ “Genetic pollution: Uncontrolled spread of genetic information (frequently referring to transgenes) into the genomes of organisms in which such genes are not present in nature.” Zaid, A. et al. 1999. Glossary of biotechnology and genetic engineering. FAO Research and Technology Paper No. 7. ISBN 92-5-104369-8 ^ “Genetic pollution: Uncontrolled escape of genetic information (frequently referring to products of genetic engineering) into the genomes of organisms in the environment where those genes never existed before.” Searchable Biotechnology Dictionary. University of Minnesota., [3] ^ “Genetic pollution: Living organisms can also be defined as pollutants, when a non-indigenous species (plant or animal) enters a habitat and modifies the existing equilibrium among the organisms of the affected ecosystem (sea, lake, river). Non-indigenous, including transgenic species (GMOs), may bring about a particular version of pollution in the vegetable kingdom: so-called genetic pollution. This term refers to the uncontrolled diffusion of genes (or transgenes) into genomes of plants of the same type or even unrelated species where such genes are not present in nature. For example, a grass modified to resist herbicides could pollinate conventional grass many miles away, creating weeds immune to the most widely used weed-killer, with obvious consequences for crops. Genetic pollution is at the basis of the debate on the use of GMOs in agriculture.” The many facets of pollution; Bologna University web site for Science Communication. The Webweavers: Last modified Tue, 20 Jul 2005 ^ Barriers to hybridization of Solanum bulbocastanumDun. and S. VerrucosumSchlechtd. and structural hybridity in their F1 plants Journal Euphytica Publisher Springer Netherlands ISSN 0014-2336 (Print) 1573-5060 (Online) Issue Volume 25, Number 1 / January, 1976 Category Articles DOI 10.1007/BF00041523 Pa