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

拟议的研究将检查的过程中，有助于传播的新基因型之间的杂交形态和生态不同的谱系的佛罗里达岩玫瑰（Piriqueta caroliniana）。 通过自然杂交的不同分类群的混合被认为在各种植物和动物的历史上是重要的。 然而，我们目前几乎没有关于在广泛的地理区域延伸的混合区的动态的信息。杂种基因型的传播和杂种区的扩展的过程将由于杂交后的早期世代中杂种的破坏（生活力和育性的丧失）而复杂化。 这项研究将研究混合崩溃的模式及其人口和遗传后果。 伴随着杂交的适合度损失模式将被记录下来，其对杂交区扩展过程的影响将被评估。本研究的结果将提供影响自然杂交的过程的信息，这些过程具有直接的经济和社会影响，包括：1）外来物种的传播是通过与本地物种杂交来促进的，2）通过与本地和杂草物种杂交，基因从转基因作物中逃逸。 此外，通过自然过程开发上级基因型所获得的信息可应用于植物和动物育种计划。

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.