New Hybrid Whale Discovered in Arctic

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/571317332dd8.jpg[/atsimg]
A northern minke whale (file picture).
Photograph from Oxford Scientific/Photolibrary

They may be polar opposites, but something is attracting two species of minke whales, producing at least one hybrid offspring, a new study says.

A cross between an Antarctic minke whale and a northern minke whale was recently discovered during a DNA analysis of whales caught by Norwegian hunters.

Geneticist Kevin Glover was recently analyzing whale DNA when he came across a surprise—a whale hunted in the northeastern Atlantic in 2007 had the genetic blueprint of a hybrid, with an Antarctic minke mother.

news.nationalgeographic.com...

Pretty cool, you can only imagine what other 'hybrid' type animals are out there. Not only that but ones we have yet to discover.

There is also a hybrid bear as well.
A cross between a polar bear and grizzly bear.
I think it is a survival instinct based on the caps melting.

You do what you must to survive and prosper, and animals are no different. Scientists have said that as populations dive and migratory paths change, we are bound to see more hybrids.

Hybrid grizzly/polar bear


The two species of whale from two different equatorial hemispheres (Northern and Antartic Whale) having created a hybrid seems to cause much more concern to me though.

The two species of whale from two different equatorial hemispheres (Northern and Antartic Whale) having created a hybrid seems to cause much more concern to me though.

I've heard about the hybrid grizzly/polar bear, there was an interesting documentary about it. At least they live right by each other, and are quite similar.

The whales are sure traveling a long way for some loving.

Thanks to the both of you, never knew there was a mix between a Grizzly and Polar Bear.

I have to ask, what does this mean? And what are some of your concerns?

Climate flip-flop? That would be something...

Originally posted by DrumsRfun
There is also a hybrid bear as well.
A cross between a polar bear and grizzly bear.
I think it is a survival instinct based on the caps melting.

I believe you may be correct. All these carbon emissions from carbon based life forms on a carbon based planet may be wrecking carbon havoc!

Lets jump on a personal jet and tell everyone about the melting caps caused by carbon emitting carbon based lifeforms to save the bears and whales from instinctive hybrid mating!

Water vapor is a lie.

reply to post by Ciphor


Don't put words in my mouth...assumption is not your friend.
Its a fact they are melting,no??
Did I say what from?

reply to post by Oozii


I am not too concerned really.
It is encouraging that they can adapt to a changing environment.

Are these hybrids able to reproduce? I always thought they were born sterile.
I will have to search that one.

reply to post by Oozii


What a beautiful and majestic creature they are.

www.slate.com...

Some scientists believe that global warming could cause the hybridization of many arctic animals, particularly marine mammals. The thinking goes that as Arctic sea ice melts, closely related species in the North Pacific and North Atlantic will come into contact and interbreed. In the case of polar bears, loss of habitat could drive them to land, where they may come into contact with grizzlies. Other scientists, however, aren't convinced that climate change is the trigger for the hybrid bears. Changes in sea ice have been less drastic in the Beaufort Sea than in other parts of the arctic, and it seems quite possible that the pizzlies resulted from breeding pairs that met on ice, rather than on land.

Pizzlies I guess it's just a matter of chemistry when they meet....

So it sounds like some other closely related species are also expected to breed.

Hmm, climates have fluctuated on earth with way more intensity than humanity has ever recorded in current history. Human arrogance in the belief of sustainability of the ecosystem all the while they reap the resources with no intention of returning contribution is more the reason for cause of these as-of-yet rarely seen 'extensions of nature'.

As far as climate, CO2 in the Early Carboniferous Period were approximately 1500 ppm, Earth's atmosphere today contains about 380 ppm CO2, slightly higher than the Middle Carboniferous period. The sun has way more control over the climate than we ever will, although we are still just as easily able to destroy this planet. Another thought could be the magnetosphere. As North Pole and South Pole switch, there is a possiblility that the animals evolving in those said 'poles' might migrate to the new side of the flip, and they are bound to cross each other in the process. Just some thoughts. Time to jump on my high Zorse

reply to post by ALLisMIND


Thanks for the info.

Only time will tell. Could be as someone mentioned, an adaption to a possible changing climate/environment.

We know more about the moon then we do our own oceans. I think we should spend a lot more time and money investigating our own backyard. Dont you guys and gals think?

Originally posted by Oozii
I have to ask, what does this mean? And what are some of your concerns?

Climate flip-flop? That would be something...

Nothing. Cross-species mating happens all the time. Offspring also happens quite often. Just look at dogs.

Originally posted by SkunkSense
Are these hybrids able to reproduce? I always thought they were born sterile.

Some are, some are not. Depends on the species, and in some cases the sex of the offspring.

This is incredible. The whales might stand a chance after all!

Another cool thing would be if two of our largest types of whales started bredding. We could have a new huge whale bigger than my favourite, the Blue!!!

Ive never heard about the mix between a Grizzly and Polar Bear that's new to me i learned something new today..The whale is just beautiful there so majestic..thanks for the post