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2: On Hybridization
Eugene M. McCarthy, Ph.D.
For he who is acquainted with the paths of nature,
will more readily observe her deviations; and vice
versa, he who has learnt her deviations, will be
able more accurately to describe her paths.
— Francis Bacon, Novum Organum
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The reader may recall the definition of hybrid (from the Introduction): if two populations are consistently distinct with respect to one or more characters, and if a descendant of matings between those populations is discernibly mixed with respect to those characters, then that individual is a hybrid and any process producing such individuals is hybridization. Hybrids produced by an initial cross between two parental types are known as F1 hybrids (or the F1 generation). Hybrids produced by matings among F1 hybrids are known as F2 hybrids, while those produced among F2 hybrids, are F3 hybrids, and so forth. Backcross hybrids are produced when hybrids mate with either parental type. When the resulting backcross hybrids mate again with the same parental type, the result is the second backcross generation, and so forth. Hybridization occurs in a broad range of organisms -- plants, animals, and fungi. Indeed, as we shall see, hybridization is a well-documented phenomenon even among bacteria.
Definition of Hybrid (Top of Page)
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