Predictors of genomic differentiation within a hybrid taxon

In this study we investigate the relative importance of selection and genomic constraints in hybrid genome formation. We investigated this in the Italian sparrow (Passer italiae), a homoploid hybrid species resulting from past hybridization between the house (Passer domesticus) and Spanish sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis). Using three independent hybrid lineages of the Italian sparrow, we evaluated patterns of genomic differentiation assessing how their genomes, harbouring different parental combinations, have evolved.