What does hybridization refer to in the context of speciation?

Hybridization in the context of speciation refers to the mixing of different species, particularly through the interbreeding of individuals from distinct species that can result in hybrid offspring. This phenomenon often plays a crucial role in the speciation process, as the hybrid offspring may exhibit unique traits or adaptations that differentiate them from their parent species.

When different species interbreed, they can introduce new genetic material into a population. If these hybrids are viable and fertile, they may contribute to gene flow between the parent populations or even give rise to a new species if reproductive isolation occurs subsequently. The dynamics of hybridization can further influence the evolutionary trajectories of the involved species, potentially leading to increased diversity within ecosystems.

While the other options address important aspects of speciation, they do not specifically encapsulate the concept of hybridization as the mixing or combining of genetic material between species. Each of these processes—formation of reproductive barriers, evolution of new species, and genetic isolation—can be outcomes or related phenomena stemming from hybridization, but they do not represent the direct definition of hybridization itself.