The ecological importance of hybridization

Hybridization as an evolutionary process has been studied in depth over the past few decades. Research has focused on its role in shaping reproductive barriers, its adaptive value, and its genomic consequences. In contrast, our knowledge of ecological dimensions of hybridization is still in its infancy, despite hybridization being an inherently ecological interaction. Using examples from various organisms, we show that hybridization can affect and be affected by non-reproductive interac-tions, including predation, competition, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, and organism-environment interactions, with significant implications for community structure and ecosystem functioning. However, since these dimensions of hybridi-zation have mostly been revealed from studies designed to decipher other evolu-tionary processes, we argue that much of the eco-evolutionary importance of hybridization is yet to be discovered.

Automated summary

Hybridization as an evolutionary process has been extensively studied, with a focus on reproductive barriers, adaptive value, and genomic consequences. However, our understanding of the ecological dimensions of hybridization is still limited, despite its significant impact on community structure and ecosystem functioning. Further research is needed to uncover the eco-evolutionary importance of hybridization.