An Analysis of Factors Contributing to Hybrid Zone Expansion in the Piriqueta Caroliniana Complex

这项拟议的研究将研究佛罗里达月季(Piriqueta Caroliniana)形态和生态上不同的谱系之间的杂交导致新基因类型传播的过程。通过自然杂交来混合不同的分类群在各种动植物的历史上被认为是重要的。然而，我们目前对跨越广阔地理区域的混合区的动态知之甚少。在杂交后的早期世代中，杂交基因的传播和杂交区的扩大的过程将因杂交失败(丧失活力和可育性)而变得复杂。这项研究将研究杂交种崩溃的模式及其人口统计学和遗传学后果。这项研究的结果将提供有关影响自然杂交方面的过程的信息，这些方面具有直接的经济和社会影响：1)通过与本地物种的杂交促进外来物种的传播，以及2)通过与本地物种和杂草物种的杂交来逃避转基因作物的基因。此外，通过自然过程获得的关于发展优良基因类型的信息可能会在植物和动物育种计划中应用。

The proposed research will examine the processes contributing to the spread of novel genotypes resulting from hybridization between morphologically and ecologically distinct lineages of the Florida rock rose (Piriqueta caroliniana). The mixing of divergent taxa via natural hybridization is considered to have been important in the history of a variety of plants and animals. However, we currently have little information on the dynamics of hybrid zones that extend over broad geographic regions. The process of spread of hybrid genotypes and expansion of the hybrid zone will be complicated by hybrid breakdown (loss of viability and fertility) in the early generations following hybridization. This research will examine patterns of hybrid breakdown and its demographic and genetic consequences. Patterns of fitness loss that accompanies hybridization will be documented and its impact on the process of hybrid zone expansion will be assessed.Results from this study will provide information on processes that affect aspects of natural hybridization that have direct economic and social impacts including; 1) the spread of exotic species that is facilitated by hybridization with natives, and 2) the escape of genes from genetically modified crops via hybridization with native and weedy species. Furthermore, information obtained on the development of superior genotypes through natural processes may have applications in plant and animal breeding programs.