- There are several different types of hybridization. In the genetic world the process refers to the combination of different species of organisms to create a hybrid organism. In chemistry, hybridization is the actual mixing of atomic orbitals suitable for bonding. When two strands of DNA are joined it is called nucleic acid hybridization. In addition to scientific hybridization, there are other types widely used. The hybridization in linguistics is often a term used to describe one language being blended with another variety of the same language. Hybridization in automobiles refers to a vehicle that has been altered to operate fully or partially on electricity. Overall, the term "hybridization" can refer to many different processes, depending on the context in which it's being used.
- The most popular process of hybridization is when a plant or animal is bred with another plant or animal from a different species. The reasons scientists do this are to increase genetic diversity and to breed for specific traits. Hybridization is a popular option in agriculture as well. Agriculturists practice hybridization to make stronger and larger plants. Many animal breeders also use hybridization to breed out unwanted physical traits. Some claim it can make breeds stronger. However, most often people just desire to create new breeds. Cross-breeding is another form of hybridization and is used in both plant and animal breeding. Cross-breeding can create new flavors in agriculture. For instance, a tangelo is a result of cross-breeding a tangerine and a pomelo. Hybridization crops are more likely to be immune to crop illnesses, which is one reason farmers do it.
- Natural hybridization occurs all over the world. Often two different gene pools are combined and the resultant animals are forced to adapt to their new environments. In certain areas of the world, this can occur successfully with new species emerging. However, in other areas the animals simply cannot adapt and the experiment is a failure.
- Often two different species of animals are bred with each other. Often when the breeding is a success, the animal is sterile. However, when this is done with plants the process is most often a success. In fact, the new plant is often perfectly capable of breeding. This type of breeding is a great way to help the overall genetic health associated with the entire plant population.
- It is often thought the term hybridization only refers to electric automobiles. However, the term is used in many industries to describe various processes in science. In fact, hybridization is most popularly used in the breeding of plants and animals.
