Global warming has caused profound changes in the habitat of many species, forcing them to adapt in unexpected ways to survive. One alarming phenomenon that has emerged as a result of this climate change is hybridization, where species that normally wouldn't interbreed are beginning to do so. This is the case of the toads in the image; the European toad, Bufo bufo, which is found in almost all of Europe, and the Balearic toad, Balearic puffs, which is limited to the Balearic Islands, Corsica and southern Italy.
Recent research has shown that two genetically distinct species are interbreeding as global temperatures rise. This process, although natural in some circumstances, is driven by human intervention in ecosystems. This is closely related to the way in which the Climate change affects various species and may threaten others such as the black pine in Teruel.
Hybridization It is generally a natural process, but human impact on the environment has altered its frequency and characteristics. Deforestation, melting ice caps, urban expansion, and the introduction of invasive species are some of the factors that have facilitated these hybridizations. Research on how genetic modification of species is also relevant in this context.
When an invasive species colonizes a territory, the native species is often forced to adjust your reproductive cycle to coincide with the invasion. This situation is expected to become more common in the future, according to studies by the Department of Ecology at the University of Tuscia in Italy, highlighting concerns about species hybridization and climate change.
Species that are closely related genetically tend to exchange part of their genome during the hybridization process. This crossing can result in hybrids that are partially viable and fertile, although in the case of more distantly related species, such as the toads mentioned above, crossing can result in malformations or in the non-viability of hybridsThis shows how climate change is forcing species to interact in unexpected ways.
The hybridization of the European and Balearic toads is a unique case, as these species are separated by approximately 30 million years of evolution. This period of separation is considerably long, and this situation has raised doubts about the future of these species. Typically, species that share a closer evolutionary past tend to hybridize more frequently than those that have been separated for a longer period.
The study of the impact of climate change on hybridization has revealed both benefits and drawbacks. Although hybridization can increase the resistance of some species to adverse conditions, it can also lead to the extinction of native species if they are diluted in the hybrid population. For example, hybridization has produced positive results In some species, it allows them to adapt to new environments and climates. An example of this is the European house mouse, which survived a rat poison thanks to genetics inherited from a close relative.
Below are some examples from research on hybridization and its relationship to global warming:
- Grolar: result of crossing a brown bear and a polar bear.
- Coywolf: hybridization between coyotes and wolves.
- Narluga: hybrid between a narwhal and a beluga whale.
- Seals: hybridization between ringed seals and spotted seals.
- Hare: hybridization between common hare and mountain hare.
- Chipmunk: hybridization between the southern flying squirrel and the northern flying squirrel.
La Hybridization should not be seen exclusively as a negative phenomenon. Under natural conditions, hybridization can offer evolutionary advantages, allowing species to adapt to changing climates and new ecological pressures. However, the introduction of invasive species and abrupt changes in the environment due to human activity create a context in which hybridization can be detrimental. In this regard, it is important to understand how human actions influence the environment.
For example, hybridization can lead to the loss of unique genetic characteristics that are essential for the survival of a particular species. The case of the common pilot whale and the short-finned pilot whale is an excellent example; these species now interbreed due to warming waters. This phenomenon is a clear reflection of species hybridization and climate change.
In the context of climate change, pressure on natural habitats has increased, leading several species to move into areas they did not previously occupy. This not only affects their reproduction, but can also alter the ecosystems in which they are found. Interaction between different species through hybridization can result in significant ecological change.
Today, hybridization has been documented in a variety of species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and even plants. This phenomenon could be indicative of how living beings are responding to one of the greatest challenges the Earth has ever faced: climate change. For many researchers, understanding the dynamics of hybridization caused by this phenomenon is fundamental to biodiversity conservation, as indicated by the study on the loss of marine habitats.
On the other hand, The effects of hybridization on invaded species are a cause for concern.Native species can be outcompeted by invasive species, which can result in genetic dilution and, consequently, an increased risk of extinction. The introduction of exotic species into new habitats has proven to be detrimental, causing ecological imbalances that affect the entire biological community.
The study of hybridization is a growing field, and each new study provides valuable information about how species adapt to changing global conditions. Hybridization not only affects the genetics of species but also has implications for conservation, ecosystem health, and the future of biodiversity. In this context, the lessons learned from Homo neanderthalensis are also relevant to understanding how species adapt.
Research continues to reveal the complexity of these biological interactions and the ways in which organisms can adapt and survive in a rapidly changing world. Although hybridization can present challenges to biodiversity, it also offers opportunities for genetic innovation and resilience, crucial in the context of global warming.
