Don’t quote me on that, but as far as I understand it, the scientists needed a control group for some experiment in breeding one of those species of fish, so they paired it with a different species, so far removed evolutionarily that the scientists believed there’s 0% chance of hybridization. Like there’s 0% chance of getting a hybrid of a platypus and a polar bear, for example. But then, against all odds and expectations, these two species of fish have produced a hybrid.
The Australian Bearypus, however, is a critical fail ecologically and economically.
In nature, the 3 lb (1.5ish kg) critter has a snout with grinding plates, claw-less paws, a wide tail and is covered in a thick layer of white fur. Although capable of swimming, the fur traps too much air, so they float like balloons on the water. They require a very cool environment, and a steady supply of easily huntable and crushable prey. This makes them poorly suited for icy (prey availability), wet (floating), warm (fur) and temperate environments (coloration).
Commercially - no one wants to ask the pet shop for a bearypus.
Don’t quote me on that, but as far as I understand it, the scientists needed a control group for some experiment in breeding one of those species of fish, so they paired it with a different species, so far removed evolutionarily that the scientists believed there’s 0% chance of hybridization. Like there’s 0% chance of getting a hybrid of a platypus and a polar bear, for example. But then, against all odds and expectations, these two species of fish have produced a hybrid.
Life, uh, finds a way
The Polar Platybear has a bill, is amphibious, venomous too, with razor sharp claws, stands 10 feet tall and weighs about 1300 pounds.
The Australian Bearypus, however, is a critical fail ecologically and economically.
In nature, the 3 lb (1.5ish kg) critter has a snout with grinding plates, claw-less paws, a wide tail and is covered in a thick layer of white fur. Although capable of swimming, the fur traps too much air, so they float like balloons on the water. They require a very cool environment, and a steady supply of easily huntable and crushable prey. This makes them poorly suited for icy (prey availability), wet (floating), warm (fur) and temperate environments (coloration).
Commercially - no one wants to ask the pet shop for a bearypus.
Evolution: hold my beer.