Dissertation Research: Causes and Consequences of Hybridization in California and Gambel's Quail (Callipepla californica and C. Gambelii)

[00:73271]这项研究将调查甘贝尔鹌鹑和加州鹌鹑（加州州鸟）不同物种杂交的原因和后果。杂交的结果包括从一个杂交物种的灭绝（当一个物种在基因上取代另一个物种）到一个全新物种的形成。杂交的结果取决于两个因素：1)个体间杂交的频率；2)杂交后代的存活和成功繁殖。因此，这项研究将探索是什么条件导致甘贝尔鹌鹑和加利福尼亚鹌鹑之间的杂交。此外，本研究将比较异种繁殖的鹌鹑与同种配对的鹌鹑所生的幼崽的数量，并将比较杂交和纯种后代的存活率。杂交生存的当前图景将与鹌鹑类型之间基因交换的历史模式调查相匹配，这将通过在每个鹌鹑范围内广泛检查DNA样本来完成。虽然低杂交率在自然界广泛存在，但由于人类的土地利用模式，其发生率可能正在增加。这种人为造成的杂交增加可能导致物种灭绝，因此对杂交的进一步研究变得越来越重要。这项研究将加强我们对个体间杂交、物种间基因流动以及最终通过杂交导致物种形成和灭绝的因素的理解。

0073271Grant & GeeThis study will investigate the causes and consequences of hybridization, the interbreeding of different species, in Gambel's and California Quail (the California State Bird). The consequences of hybridization range from extinction of one hybridizing species, when one species genetically swmps out the other, to the formation of an entirely new species. The outcome of hybridization depends on two factors, 1) the frequency of interbreeding between individuals, and 2) the survival and successful reproduction of hybrid offspring. This study will therefore explore what conditions lead to interbreeding between Gambel's and California Quail. Further, this study will compare the number of young born to interbreeding quail versus the number born to same-species pairs, and it will compare the survival of those hybrid and pure-species offspring. This current picture of hybrid survival will be paired with an investigation of the historical pattern of gene exchange between quail types, which will be accomplished by examining DNA sampled extensively through each quail range.Although low rates of hybridization are widespread in nature, its incidence may be increasing due to human landuse patterns. This human-caused increase in hybridization may be contributing to species extinction, making further research of hybridization increasingly important. This study will strengthen our understanding of the factors responsible for interbreeding between individuals, gene flow between species, and ultimately, speciation and extinction through hybridization.