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Water frog hybrids

Water frog hybrids

Hybridogenetic hybrids

The following hybrids are known to be hybridogenetic . These hybrids can persist in nature by backcrossing with one of their parental species. This reproduction mode is not very common and is known only in fish (Poeciliopsis) in mexican desert streams and in stick insects ( Bacillus). [ Explanation of this reproduction mode] These hybrids are very successful and occupy large parts of the distribution range of their parental host species. In Central Europe Rana lessonae and the hybridogenetic hybrd Rana esculenta co-occur in almost every bigger water body in frequencies of the hybrid from 5% in bogs, 20-50% in ponds and small lakes to 95% in disturbed habitat like gravel pits.

Real hybrids

There are also hybrids which occur naturally, but in low frequencies. These have mostly a disturbed reproduction or are sterile.

Publications


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Peter Beerli, Dept. of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, beerli@scs.fsu.edu