Differences in reproductive success coupled with assortative mating shape hybrid zone dynamics between Saltmarsh and Nelson’s sparrows

Postdoc Jen Walsh authored a new paper in the Auk looking at the role of divergent mating strategies, reproductive success, and compatibility in maintaining the Saltmarsh-Nelson’s sparrow hybrid zone. Looking at nesting and paternity data for 342 sparrows of both pure and hybrid origin, she found that F1-F2 hybrid males…

Continue reading