A hybrid zone is a geographical area where two distinct species meet and interbreed, producing offspring with mixed traits. This phenomenon often occurs at the edges of species' ranges, where environmental conditions allow for overlapping habitats. The resulting hybrids can exhibit a range of characteristics from both parent species, leading to increased genetic diversity. These zones are important for studying evolution and speciation, as they provide insights into how species adapt and change over time. Researchers often examine hybrid zones to understand the processes of natural selection and gene flow, which can influence the future of species like wolves and coyotes or plants in ecological systems.