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Differential selection to avoid hybridization in two toad species.

Karin S Pfennig1, Marie A Simovich

  • 1Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin 78712, USA. kpfenning@email.unc.edu

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|October 23, 2002
PubMed
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Hybridization between spadefoot toad species has different fitness outcomes. Selection to avoid hybridization varies, potentially hindering the speciation process called reinforcement.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Speciation research
  • Reproductive isolation

Background:

  • Hybridization's fitness consequences are key to speciation.
  • Reinforcement occurs when selection favors prezygotic isolation to reduce costly hybridization.
  • Divergent selection against hybridization can impede reinforcement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate hybridization frequency and fitness effects between plains spadefoot toads (Spea bombifrons) and New Mexico spadefoot toads (S. multiplicata).
  • Determine how environmental conditions, like pond size and ephemeral nature, influence hybridization.
  • Assess the fitness of hybrid offspring compared to purebreds.

Main Methods:

  • Field observations of hybridization in natural breeding ponds.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Controlled experimental crosses to evaluate hybrid offspring fitness.
  • Analysis of survival rates and development times in hybrid and purebred toads.

    • Main Results:

    • Hybridization was most common in small, ephemeral ponds, primarily involving S. bombifrons females and S. multiplicata males.
    • Hybrids with S. multiplicata mothers had lower survival and longer development than pure S. multiplicata.
    • Hybrids with S. bombifrons mothers showed faster metamorphosis than pure S. bombifrons, especially in ephemeral ponds.

    Conclusions:

    • Selection pressures to avoid hybridization differ between S. bombifrons and S. multiplicata.
    • S. bombifrons females may benefit from hybridizing in ephemeral ponds, potentially slowing reinforcement.
    • Differential selection against hybridization can impede the evolution of reproductive isolation between species.