Which term describes the reduced viability of hybrids due to genetic incompatibilities?

Which term describes the reduced viability of hybrids due to genetic incompatibilities?

• A. Reduced Hybrid Viability
• B. Hybrid Breakdown
• C. Phylogeny
• D. Reduced Hybrid Fertility

Answer: (A)

When two species mix their genes, incompatible interactions between the different genomes can disrupt development or growth, so the offspring fail to survive to reproductive age. This situation is described as reduced hybrid viability (often called hybrid inviability) and it’s a form of postzygotic reproductive isolation. In other terms, the hybrid is unable to reach maturity due to genetic incompatibilities. Other outcomes of reproductive isolation exist: reduced hybrid fertility means hybrids survive but are sterile; hybrid breakdown means first-generation hybrids are viable and fertile, but their offspring have lower fitness; and phylogeny refers to the evolutionary relationships among species, not the viability of hybrids.

When two species mix their genes, incompatible interactions between the different genomes can disrupt development or growth, so the offspring fail to survive to reproductive age. This situation is described as reduced hybrid viability (often called hybrid inviability) and it’s a form of postzygotic reproductive isolation. In other terms, the hybrid is unable to reach maturity due to genetic incompatibilities.

Other outcomes of reproductive isolation exist: reduced hybrid fertility means hybrids survive but are sterile; hybrid breakdown means first-generation hybrids are viable and fertile, but their offspring have lower fitness; and phylogeny refers to the evolutionary relationships among species, not the viability of hybrids.