The Northern Flicker Hybrid Zone

北方闪变可以作为研究 物种形成的进化过程。 两个的范围相当 不同的亚种在西部大平原重叠， 它们形成了一个广泛的混合区。 的区别 即使这两个亚种杂交， 广泛地。 以前的研究强烈地表明，选择是一种 保持两个特点的主要力量 杂交区的亚种 目前的研究旨在 以确定自然选择或性选择是否 最重要的 自然选择的形式是 与混合区相关的生态变量， 性选择将反映亚种的能力， 在它们的本土范围之外建立繁殖区。 解决这些问题将有助于我们理解 物种形成以及如此多的多样性是如何在这样一个 短时间

The Northern Flicker serves as a model for studies on the evolutionary process of speciation. The ranges of two rather distinct subspecies overlap on the western Great Plains where they form an extensive hybrid zone. The distinctness of the subspecies is maintained even though the two hybridize extensively. Previous work strongly suggests that selection is a major force in maintaining the characteristics of the two subspecies across the hybrid zone. Current research is designed to determine whether natural selection or sexual selection is most important. Natural selection would be in the form of ecological variables associated with the hybrid zone whereas sexual selection would reflect the ability of the subspecies to establish breeding territories outside of their native ranges. Resolving these questions will advance our understanding of how speciation occurs and how so much diversity evolves in such a short time.