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

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

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

Answer: (A)

Postzygotic isolation can lead to hybrids that don’t survive well because of genetic incompatibilities between the parent species. This scenario is described by reduced hybrid viability, which means hybrid embryos or offspring have lower survival rates and may die before reaching adulthood. It’s a direct reflection of how mismatched genes from two species can disrupt development or bodily functions. This differs from reduced hybrid fertility, where hybrids live but are sterile, and from hybrid breakdown, where first-generation hybrids are viable and fertile but their offspring have reduced fitness. Phylogeny, on the other hand, is about evolutionary relationships, not a barrier to hybrid viability.

Postzygotic isolation can lead to hybrids that don’t survive well because of genetic incompatibilities between the parent species. This scenario is described by reduced hybrid viability, which means hybrid embryos or offspring have lower survival rates and may die before reaching adulthood. It’s a direct reflection of how mismatched genes from two species can disrupt development or bodily functions. This differs from reduced hybrid fertility, where hybrids live but are sterile, and from hybrid breakdown, where first-generation hybrids are viable and fertile but their offspring have reduced fitness. Phylogeny, on the other hand, is about evolutionary relationships, not a barrier to hybrid viability.