Sharks are the perfect alpha predator according to nature's design, it is also the most adapted for the aquatic environments. Next question is whether they can evolve any further than they have. Like fiction turning into reality, that might soon be the scenario in the open ocean. It seems evolution, natural selection has found a way to improve an already fearsome alpha predator.
Is this disturbing or just another movie theme, for shark-buffs? No, it has gotten real and not a hoax at all. As stated, evolution and natural selection chooses the survival of the fittest. Several Australian shark scientists did find hybrid sharks, because two different species interbred and produce offspring. It was found out by accident when a survey was underway in Aussie waters.
The sharks catalogued had genetic traits that were not bound to a specific kind of species. So, the best guess it that they have mated and produced young with hybrid traits. After more sifting through the genetic data, the analysis revealed a mix of common blacktip shark and Australian blacktip shark. They must have mated in the wild, since mating is automatic when in spawning season.
Scary as it sounds, these sharks are not producing genetically infertile offspring, but normal individuals capable of reproduction. One thing to consider is they are close sister species, still distinct between each other. Researcher conclude because of the relative closeness of these shark species made the change to a mixed breed possible too.
Another tidbit might be somewhat on the negative side, climate change caused by human activities have influenced natural selection very unnaturally. Places where the sharks breed are changing, indirectly and this is why hybrids of mixed species are born. If the environment is steady and no changes, then both species will not stray into each other.
Though they are cartilaginous fish, reproduction is via male and female of the same kind. One big revelation is that sharks will not reproduce with other sharks because of differences in attraction the other sex. Discovery of hybrid sharks have forced shark specialists to rethink their assumptions, in regard to this. Abnormal mating behavior and breeding hybrids is just the tip of the iceberg for researchers, studying sharks.
Will these hybrids be better than their predecessors, or be eliminated by natural selection as nature deems fit. If these hybrids do find individuals of the same hybrid kind, it will be the birthing of whole new shark species. Most animals alive today and those extinct were part of the process of natural selection, or survival of the fittest.
For sharks that have remained the same for millions of years, introduction of a new hybrid is important. The common blacktip shark and Australian blacktip shark will have specific gene set which is evolved to keep the species ready for better adaptations. The hybrid can adjust to different temperatures so they can enter other zones in the ocean. Unlike their parent species, who are located in different waters. This is what makes sharks such adaptable species and ancient species.
Yes, hybrid sharks might be common with the shift in the conditions of the eco-system. all because mankind is responsible for all climatic changes happening now. Will a Great White, Bull Shark, or Tiger Shark hybrid come about? It might and the common blacktip shark, and Australian blacktip shark is proof of that. An ocean with these fish will not be so exciting to go into either.
Related Article: Hybrid Sharks Ready to Take Over the Oceans: Fact and/or Fiction
