<scp>hzar</scp>: hybrid zone analysis using an R software package

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>We present a new software package (<jats:sc>hzar</jats:sc>) that provides functions for fitting molecular genetic and morphological data from hybrid zones to classic equilibrium cline models using the Metropolis–Hastings Markov chain Monte Carlo (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">MCMC</jats:styled-content>) algorithm. The software applies likelihood functions appropriate for different types of data, including diploid and haploid genetic markers and quantitative morphological traits. The modular design allows flexibility in fitting cline models of varying complexity. To facilitate hypothesis testing, an autofit function is included that allows automated model selection from a set of nested cline models. Cline parameter values, such as cline centre and cline width, are estimated and may be compared statistically across clines. The package is written in the R language and is available through the Comprehensive R Archive Network (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">CRAN</jats:styled-content>;<jats:ext-link xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="http://cran.r-project.org/">http://cran.r-project.org/</jats:ext-link>). Here, we describe<jats:sc>hzar</jats:sc>and demonstrate its use with a sample data set from a well‐studied hybrid zone in western Panama between white‐collared (<jats:italic><jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">M</jats:styled-content>anacus candei</jats:italic>) and golden‐collared manakins (<jats:italic><jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">M</jats:styled-content>. vitellinus</jats:italic>). Comparisons of our results with previously published results for this hybrid zone validate the<jats:sc>hzar</jats:sc>software. We extend analysis of this hybrid zone by fitting additional models to molecular data where appropriate.</jats:p>