Hybrid Or Mixed Animals That Actually Exists Among Us
Introduction
Hybridisation is a natural phenomenon where two different species breed and produce a new one. It shows how natural selection occurs through hybridisation where a new species either becomes better than the parental ones or does not. In this context, we will discuss animals mixed up in terms of hybridisation that exist among us.
We can find cross breeding animals in zoos and labs where scientists try to find out hybridisation results. They look for better-surviving animal species also. This phenomenon occurs naturally among plants and animals. Here, we will discuss what hybridisation is and what examples we can find to support this excellent biological fact.
What is Hybridisation?
Hybridisation is a process where two complementary genes of parents mix to form a new one. It results in a new species with visible physical traits from both parents. It is widely seen in plants. A genetic difference is identified in the new species. It is a natural process that can be seen in animals too.
This natural phenomenon gives birth to weaker or stronger species that might be able to survive. It means that some species may be better than their parents in survival whereas some are not. Those who are not capable enough like their parents become obsolete.
The different types of hybridization with examples in biology are:
1. Interspecific Hybridisation
This is a phenomenon where two different species of the same genus are hybridised as parents to give birth to a new one. The best example is a mule. It is a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse.
2. Intergeneric Hybridisation
It is a process where hybridisation occurs between two organisms belonging to two different genera. It is generally seen among plants. Inter-generic species among animals are very rare. One of the best examples is a wholphin.
Hybrid Animals From Interspecies Breeding
Hybrid Animals Among Us
Hybridisation, as mentioned earlier, can be seen among animals too. We have many instances where artificial hybridisation has led to the formation of new species with distinct features.
Here is a list of mixed animals that reinstates the phenomenon of hybridisation.
1. Liger
This animal is a mix of a male lion and a female tiger. It has distinct physical properties that match a lion and a tiger. They grow bigger than lions and tigers and can weigh more than 400 kg. There is no natural existence of ligers in nature. They are bred in captivity.
2. Tigon
As the name suggests, we can clearly understand that this breed is the result of hybridisation between a male tiger and a female lion. The male tigons develop luscious manes and have stripes. Tigons are generally smaller than ligers. They also look similar to the tiger fathers rather than the lion mothers.
3. Zonkey
You can clearly figure out the parents of a zonkey. This new species is a result of the hybridisation between a zebra and a donkey. It is also called zebroid.
4. Jaglion
It is a perfect example of animal cross mating. This new species is a result of the mating between a male jaguar and a female lion.
5. Wholphin
This example can make the top of a hybrid animals list due to its rareness. It is the result of the hybridisation between a male killer whale and a female bottled-nose dolphin. To our surprise, this dolphin species is not at all related to killer whales.
The physical features of a wholphin show a remarkable balance between the features of its parents. A wholphin has 66 teeth, the average of 44 teeth of a killer whale and 88 teeth of a bottled-nose dolphin. It is a perfect example of when different animals mate.
6. Leopon
Leopons are the results of mating between female lions and male leopards. They are bigger than leopards and are almost similar in size to lions. They also have the traits of leopards such as climbing trees and loving to dive into the water.
7. Beefalo
This is a common hybrid of cows and buffaloes, a perfect example of inter-specific hybridisation. It is a hybrid between an American bison female and a domestic bull. The best part is that this hybrid is bigger than cows and can breed on its own. This intentional crossbreed offers a good substitute for traditional beef and is easier to raise.
8. Grolar Bear
As the name suggests, you can easily figure out that a grolar bear is a hybrid between a polar bear and a grizzly bear. They develop a caramel skin, a perfect combination of white polar bear fur and brown grizzly bear fur. They weigh around 450 kg.
9. Cama
The hybrid between a llama and a camel is called a cama. This species has been developed by artificial insemination of female llamas. Llamas are five times smaller than camels. It means natural hybridisation will not be possible.
10. Savannah Cat
This is the perfect example of man made animals. This cat breed is developed by interbreeding between an African Serval and a domestic cat. Its exotic fur gives it a wild appearance but its physical traits are quite similar to the domestic ones. They are slender and agile and love to be around humans.
Cross Animal Meeting Resulting in Marvellous Breeds
The examples given above suggest how remarkable new breeds develop from common parents. The physical features of a hybrid species are the perfect blend of the features of its parents. All these examples are proof that hybridisation leads to something new. A new species evolves with remarkable and distinct features. The man made animals prove the efficiency of hybridisation. The domesticated and novelty dog and cat breeds are the best examples to ponder upon.
