Hybrids everywhere

Hybrids as a natural phenomenon may be among nature's most creative and important evolutionary developments. Through hybridisation life can be created, extended, and conducted in more ways than via species alone.

In plant world, hybrids may arise when two closely related species flower at the same time and share pollinators. Most hybrids disappear after a generation or two from infertility, maladaptation, or by getting absorbed back into a parent species. Occasionally hybrids are “successful”, sustainable as distinct species or blur the borders between their constituent species. In fynbos, as in other biomes, natural hybrids occur readily in genera like Protea, Erica, Leucadendron, and Serruria. Viva the floral grey areas that are so rarely grey! Evolution does not always branch as a tree; it sometimes spreads as a network. 

The Operation Wildflower website has Habitat Albums for Seaside and Near or in fresh water. This photo of the Vermont Saltpan near Hermanus shows a hybrid in a sense, as this is neither sea, nor fresh water.

People now drive cars using fuel, as well as batteries. People are exemplary or otherwise, men have feminine sides, old folks behave like children, artists go to war, lovers fight. Many examples exist of two sides to every coin. The inbetween categories multiply the diversity. Life forms are endless until the end of life.