Digest: Hybridization as a buffer against thermal extremes

Climate change is reshaping environments, raising questions about how species will endure. Pinto & Stelkens (2026) investigate whether hybridization aids adaptation using four yeast species and their interspecific F2 hybrids exposed to extreme temperature stress. While the parental species and their hybrids adapted to temperature extremes, hybrids exhibited unique evolutionary trajectories. These findings highlight the adaptive potential of hybrids and the importance of considering genetic background when determining how organisms will respond to rapid climate change.