Academic Editor: Woo-Sung Kwon
Background: Hybrid taxa exist in nature, but their fitness can vary
greatly. Hybrids are usually thought to have lower viability and survival rate
than parental species due to the occurrence of two different genomes and
divergent evolution in each species. On the other hand, the hybrid vigour of the
F1 generation may give hybrids an advantage in mixed populations where they have
to live and compete with parental taxa. Post-zygotic selection with endogenous
genetic mechanisms may be a significant evolutionary force in hybrid formation.
Here we tested principles of post-zygotic reproductive dynamics in mixed
populations of Pelophylax water frogs that would help us understand the
origin and maintenance of such systems. Methods: Within experimental
crosses, we combined various diploid Pelophylax genotypes resulting in
211 families. Statistical analysis of progeny was used to measure fertilization
success, the rate of embryonic/tadpole mortality and the overall survival of the
progeny till the time of metamorphosis. Using Generalized Estimating Equations
models and variables defined by a mother/father included in mate pairs, we tested
which factor best explains the successful embryonal development.
Results: The development of Pelophylax offspring significantly
varied in survival rate and morphological malformations. These post-zygotic
reproductive dynamics were driven by parental combinations of species pairs. The
best values in the proportion of developing eggs, embryos, tadpoles and overall
survival showed progeny of homospecific P. lessonae crosses. Total
survival rates were relatively similar between L-E and R-E population systems but
much lower than homospecific crosses in parental taxa. However, once the early
stages passed this period, tadpoles mostly of hybrid hemiclonal origin performed
even better than pure P. ridibundus progeny. Hybrid