Hybridization is a process in which two different species or varieties interbreed to produce offspring with mixed traits. This can occur in plants, animals, and even microorganisms. In plants, for example, hybridization can lead to new varieties with desirable characteristics, such as improved yield or disease resistance. In chemistry, hybridization refers to the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. This concept helps explain the shapes of molecules, such as the tetrahedral structure of methane (CH4). Understanding hybridization is essential for predicting how different atoms bond and interact in various chemical reactions.