Perspectives on the conservation of wild hybrids

摘要: Hybridization processes are widespread throughout the taxonomic range and require conservation recognition. Science can help us understand hybridization but not whether when we ought to conserve hybrids. Important questions include role of humans in value place on natural human-induced hybrids concerning their ecological function. Certain resulting from human actions have replaced extirpated or extinct parent taxa this should be preserved. Conservation policies must increasingly recognize populations wild organisms that hybridize naturally within context historical role. Natural selection acts individual characteristics displayed by constitute raw material for evolution. Guidelines consider individuals ethical aspects removing purpose conserving population genetic integrity. focus protecting affected hybridization. An informative example is North American canids (Canis), where body size, prey availability, landscape modifications may interact impose local selective pressures. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) eastern lycaon Canis lupus lycaon) Great Lakes appear In contrast, coyotes (C. latrans) exhibit wolf ancestry partly an parts northeastern America. The need advancing reflect our current understanding ecology evolution urgent.