ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL HYBRID SPECIES

The increasing number of hybrid species, discovered in both vertebrates and invertebrates by the combined use of chromosome, allozyme and molecular markers, calls for a reevaluation of hybrid speciation and reticulate evolution in animals. The array of reproductive strategies recently detected in phylogenetically related stick insects allows us to investigate, using a comparative approach, questions such as the relationship between hybridization and unisexuality, and short- versus long-term evolutionary success of hybrid species. Unexpected similarities are now apparent in hybrid evolution of animals as varied as insects, snails, fish, frogs and lizards. Hybrid species may combine, to some extent, the main advantage of sex (genetic diversity) with those of clonal reproduction. This explains why these species are often so successful, and indicates a potential use of some hybrid species in experimental biology and resource management (e.g. mass production of animal proteins).