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The hybrid hypothesis is a concept within the field of evolutionary biology that proposes a mechanism for the formation of new species. It suggests that hybridization, the interbreeding of individuals from two distinct species, can lead to the creation of a new, reproductively isolated lineage. This new lineage, often referred to as a hybrid species, can arise when the offspring of a cross between two parent species inherit a unique combination of genes that confers a new set of traits. Crucially, for a hybrid to be considered a new species under this hypothesis, it must be able to reproduce independently and be reproductively isolated from both of its parent species. This isolation can be due to various factors, such as differences in chromosome number, mating behaviors, or ecological niches. The hybrid hypothesis is particularly relevant in the study of plants, where polyploidy, the duplication of chromosome sets, often plays a significant role in the stabilization and reproductive success of hybrid lineages. While hybridization is a common occurrence in nature, the successful establishment of a new hybrid species is considered a relatively rare event. Evidence supporting the hybrid hypothesis comes from genetic studies of natural populations and from experimental crosses that demonstrate the potential for hybrid speciation.