INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION IN A NATURAL OAK POPULATION WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO INTROGRESSION

A population of oaks, consisting of Quercus stellata, Q. prinoides, their interspecific hybrid, Q. x stelloides, and apparent backcrosses to the parental forms, was examined. An effort was made to determine existing relationships and locate possible introgression within the population. Nine descriptive variables were analyzed and, as a set, could be used to accurately classify individuals by subgroups. Character segregation, perhaps introgressive hybridization, is evident in the population. The effects of this are manifested in an increased adaptability and exploitation of the habitat by introgressants. Modification of the parental species type is negligible.