Cross species mating

Several rare varieties of staghorn coral have begun mating across species lines and are creating surprisingly robust hybrids, according to a new study; researchers believe the unusual step is an effort to adapt to changing ocean conditions and avoid extinction. The findings are an unexpected piece of promising news about coral reefs, which usually make the headlines for their potential fate as one of the first victims of global warming.

Coral reefs around the world are under pressure from pollution and gradually warming oceans, and researchers have worried that rare species are particularly vulnerable to extinction. But in the case of these staghorns, the new study shows that when faced with a shortage of mates of their own kind, these rare corals have cast a wider net and started cross-breeding with other coral species, producing hybrids. “It pushes the boundaries of our traditional understanding of species,” said a researcher, Zoe Richards. “They are being a little promiscuous” [Sydney Morning-Herald].

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2008/10/22/rare-corals-crossbreeding-ways-may-stave-off-extinction/

TerryRC wrote:If could be these different corals are actually from one, highly polymorphic species that was mistakenly described as multiple species.

For the study, recently published in the journal PLoS ONE, marine biologists examined the genetics of three rare Caribbean corals. They found a higher level of genetic diversity within each species than expected, indicating that the corals have been cross-breeding. Some of the hybrids were even found in marginal habitats such as very deep or extremely shallow water, suggesting the coral were developing new traits allowing them to push into new environments…. “This is good news, to the extent that it suggests that corals may have evolved genetic strategies for survival in unusual niches and may prove tougher to exterminate than many people feared,” Dr Richards said [Australian Associated Press].

Researchers don’t yet know how this adaptation came about, and will continue to study the hybrids in an attempt to solve the puzzle.

bmd wrote:Your citation does put a slightly different spin on things. I was just trying to point out that this is not an entirely new finding.

For the study, recently published in the journal PLoS ONE, marine biologists examined the genetics of three rare Caribbean corals.

TerryRC wrote:Maybe you could cite the credentials and experiences of TRC, along with his comments, ...... to justify your complaint and demand they retract that story because of bogus claims and misinformation.

Sam, can you even define the word "species"?

Are german shepards and dachshunds the same species?

If these corals are mating and producing viable offspring, then they must be the same species, by definition.

Give me some more, Sam. I enjoy schooling you.

Several rare varieties of staghorn coral have begun mating across species lines

bmd wrote:What is your problem, Sam?

TerryRC wrote:Several rare varieties of staghorn coral have begun mating across species lines and are creating surprisingly robust hybrids,

The main definition of "species" is a group able to mate and produce viable offspring.

If could be these different corals are actually from one, highly polymorphic species that was mistakenly described as multiple species.

While different species of the Equidae family can interbreed, offspring are almost always sterile. Nonetheless, horse/donkey hybrids are popular for their durability and vigor. A mule is the offspring of a jack (male donkey) and a mare (female horse). The much rarer successful mating of a male horse and a female donkey produces a hinny.

SheikBen wrote:Do you suppose that the labeling of these "highly polymorphic species" could be a bit arbitrary?

bmd wrote:Sam,

This is the sort of thing to which TerryRC is eluding.

underachiever on the Web:

a student who does not perform as well as expected or as well as the IQ indicates