What Is Introgression

An Insight

Introgression is the transfer of genetic material from one species or population to another through repeated hybridization and backcrossing. This process can occur naturally or as a result of human intervention, and it can have both positive and negative effects on the recipient population.

This article summarizes the mechanics of introgression, the factors that influence its occurrence, and the implications of introgression for conservation, agriculture, and evolution.

Mechanics of Introgression

Introgression occurs when a hybrid individual (the first-generation offspring of two different species or populations) interbreeds with one of the parental populations.

The resulting offspring carry a mixture of genetic material from both parental populations. If these hybrid offspring, then mate with one of the parental populations, some of their offspring will carry an even higher proportion of genetic material from the other parental population.

This process of backcrossing can continue for several generations, gradually increasing the proportion of genetic material from one population to another other until it becomes integrated into the recipient population.

The Mechanics of Introgression can be Illustrated using a Simple Example.

Consider two populations of rabbits, one living in a forested area and the other living in a grassland. If these two populations interbreed, the resulting hybrids will carry a mixture of genetic material from both populations.

Suppose one of these hybrids then mates with a grassland rabbit. Some of their offspring will carry a higher proportion of genetic material from the forest population than the grassland population.

If one of these offspring then mates with another grassland rabbit, some of their offspring will carry an even higher proportion of forest population genetic material. This process can continue for several generations until the genetic material from the forest population is integrated into the grassland population.

Factors that Influence Introgression

Several factors can influence the occurrence and extent of introgression. One of the most important is the genetic distance between the two populations.

If the two populations are genetically very different, their hybrid offspring may be sterile or have reduced fitness, which will limit the amount of introgression that can occur.

Conversely, if the two populations are very similar genetically, their hybrid offspring may be fully viable and fertile, which will facilitate the transfer of genetic material between the two populations.

Another important factor is the frequency of hybridization events. If hybrids are rare, the proportion of genetic material transferred between the two populations will be small.

If hybrids are common, the proportion of genetic material transferred will be larger. The frequency of hybridization can be influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, population density, and behavior.

Finally, the degree of reproductive isolation between the two populations can influence the extent of introgression. If the two populations are completely reproductively isolated (i.e., unable to interbreed), no introgression can occur.

If the two populations are partially reproductively isolated (i.e., able to interbreed but with reduced success), introgression may occur but at a lower rate than if the populations were fully compatible.

Implications of Introgression

Introgression can have both positive and negative implications for the recipient population.

On the positive side, introgression can introduce beneficial genetic variation that enhances the recipient population's adaptive potential.

For example, if a population is exposed to a new environmental challenge (such as a change in climate or the introduction of a new predator), the presence of genetic variation from another population may increase the recipient population's chances of adapting successfully to the new challenge.

On the negative side, introgression can dilute the genetic distinctiveness of the recipient population, potentially erasing unique adaptations that have evolved over time.

If the recipient population is endangered or threatened, the loss of unique adaptations may reduce its chances of survival. Additionally, introgression can introduce deleterious genetic variation (such as harmful mutations or maladaptive traits) that reduces the fitness of the recipient population.

Conservation Implications

Introgression has important implications for conservation biology. On one hand, introgression can be used as a tool to enhance the genetic diversity of endangered populations, particularly if the population has suffered from inbreeding depression or reduced genetic diversity.

For example, if a small population of a critically endangered species has reduced genetic diversity, it may be possible to introduce genetic material from a closely related population to increase the population's genetic diversity and adaptive potential.

On the other hand, introgression can also threaten the genetic integrity of endangered populations. If an endangered population is hybridizing with a non-endangered population, the genetic identity of the endangered population may be lost over time. Additionally, introgression may introduce maladaptive traits or genetic disorders into the endangered population, reducing the population's fitness and long-term viability.

Agricultural Implications

Introgression also has important implications for agriculture. Crop plants are often hybridized to produce new varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance or improved yield.

The process of hybridization can introduce genetic material from wild or related species into crop plants, which can enhance their adaptive potential and improve their productivity.

However, introgression can also introduce undesirable traits into crop plants, such as weediness or reduced yield. Additionally, introgression can threaten the genetic integrity of crop plants, particularly if wild relatives hybridize with cultivated varieties.

For example, if a cultivated crop plant hybridizes with a wild relative, the resulting hybrids may have reduced yield or be unsuitable for cultivation.

Evolutionary Implications

Introgression can also have important implications for evolutionary processes. If two populations are introgressing, they may become more genetically similar over time. This can reduce the genetic diversity of both populations and potentially lead to the loss of unique adaptations that have evolved over time.

However, if introgression introduces beneficial genetic variation into a population, it may enhance the population's adaptive potential and increase its long-term viability.

Introgression can also play an important role in the formation of new species. If two populations are partially reproductively isolated and are introgressing, the resulting hybrids may eventually form a new species that is distinct from an either parental population. This process, known as hybrid speciation, has been documented in a variety of taxa, including plants, fish, and birds.

Conclusion

Introgression is a complex process that can have important implications for conservation, agriculture, and evolution. The extent and consequences of introgression depend on a variety of factors, including the genetic distance between the two populations, the frequency of hybridization events, and the degree of reproductive isolation between the two populations.

While introgression can introduce beneficial genetic variation into a population, it can also threaten the genetic integrity and adaptive potential of the recipient population.

As such, introgression should be carefully managed and monitored in both natural and agricultural systems to ensure that it does not have unwanted consequences.