Natural Hybridization and Evolution [Paperback]

This study draws on data from numerous sources that support the paradigm of natural hybridization as an important evolutionary process. The review of these data results in a challenge to the framework used by many evolutionary biologists, which sees the process of natural hybridization as maladaptive because it represents a violation of divergent evolution. In contrast, this book presents evidence of a significant role for natural hybridization in furthering adaptive evolution and evolutionary diversification in both plants and animals.

1. Natural Hybridization: Definitions and History
2. Natural Hybridization and Species Concepts
3. Natural Hybridization: Frequency
4. Reproductive Parameters and Natural Hybridization
5. Natural Hybridization: Concepts and Theory
6. Natural Hybridization: Outcomes
7. Natural Hybridization: Emerging Patterns
References
Index

This is a fascinating book, challenging a number of preconceptions and adding yet another mechanism for non-gradualist evolutionary processes. . . . it is absorbing and authoritative, with many novel thoughts for anyone interested in evolutionary processes. --The Biologist

An excellent addition to the Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution. . .readers are almost assured of an opportunity to reconsider the latest published evidence in an engaging synthesis of this topic. --Plant Science Bulletin

Through a discussion of numerous intriguing studies, this book makes multifaceted case for the importance of hybridization. It also highlights the biases, misconceptions, and misinterpretations that might lead to an underestimate of the evolutionary importance of hybridization. . . .A convincing well-crafted testament to the importance of hybridization in evolution. The reader will be enlightened. --Science

Comprehensive. . .thoroughly documented and illustrated with case studies from many perspectives (including fossil, morlÓ)