An interesting discovery in Brazil has rocked the canine world. A unique stray animal is puzzling scientists. Could this be the unexpected result of a cross between a pampas fox and a domestic dog? This unprecedented collision between two species raises many questions about evolution and biodiversity.
In September 2023, a study geneticgenetic A surprising news came out in the field of zoology. An unusual canid discovered in Brazil has turned out to be an unusual hybrid between two separate species. This unexpected discovery opens up new perspectives on the adaptability and evolution of animal species.
An unusual specimen
The story of this extraordinary animal begins in 2021 in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Vicaria. One seriously injured after another accidentaccident From the road, this interesting canad was collected by the Center for Conservation and Rehabilitation of Wild Animals of the Federal University of Grand du Sul. Upon its arrival, scientists were amazed by its unusual appearance and behavior.
It presents curious pattern properties. PhysicsPhysics Mixed:
- Of The eyesThe eyes And a black coat reminiscent of a dog.
- Pointed ears and a long muzzle reminiscent of a fox.
- Bark like a dog.
His attitude is totally ambiguous. Neither docile like a dog nor aggressive like a wild canine, it refuses dog food and feeds only on small rodents. This unique combination of traits raises many questions about its origin and classification.
A genetic mystery solved.
Faced with this mystery, Brazilian researchers conducted an in-depth genetic study. Results published in the animalare surprising: the animal is a hybrid between the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and a domestic dog. The discovery is all the more remarkable because the two species belong to different lineages and diverged from each other about 6.7 million years ago.
Chromosome analysis reveals interesting features:
|
characteristic |
Hybrid |
Pampas fox |
Domestic dog |
|
Full name of ChromosomeChromosome |
76 |
74 |
78 |
|
pairs of chromosomes |
38 |
37 |
39 |
Mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited only from the mother, indicates that the sire was probably a pampas fox, while the father was a dog. This unique genetic combination opens new perspectives on the flexibility of evolution and the possibility of crossbreeding between seemingly distant species.
Implications for biodiversity
This discovery raises important questions about it. BiodiversityBiodiversity AndEvolution of speciesEvolution of species. The possibility of interbreeding between different species millions of years ago calls into question some established theories of reproductive isolation. This suggests that the boundaries between species may be more porous than previously thought.
Bruna Szenwelski, a researcher involved in the study, speculates that the issue cannot be isolated. Back view of animals PhenotypePhenotype The rarity in the region suggests that other hybrids may exist in nature. This approach opens the way for new research into the genetic diversity of wild and domestic dog populations in South America.
Unfortunately, the story of this unique hybrid comes to a tragic end. After recovering, the animal died under mysterious circumstances at the zoo. This loss underlines the importance of conservation and intensive study of such rare specimens, a true treasure of biodiversity.
This unusual discovery reminds us that nature still has many secrets. It invites us to be open to the surprises that evolution can hold for us and to redouble our efforts to protect and understand the wealth of our biodiversity.
