Hybridization is a research area in biology that focuses on the interbreeding of different species or populations to create hybrids with genetic characteristics from both parent species. This process is often studied in plants, animals, and microorganisms to understand patterns of gene flow, adaptation to different environments, and the evolution of new species. Hybridization can have both positive and negative effects on populations, such as increasing genetic diversity but also potentially leading to the loss of unique genetic traits. Researchers in this field often use molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing, to study hybridization events and their implications for biodiversity and conservation.