Untitled Document
 Pollution
and toxic emissions have poisoned the atmosphere. As a result, global
warming and extreme climate changes have been putting a number of
species in danger. Many species cannot handle the rapid temperature
changes and have become endangered. Marine animals are particularly
at risk because of the rising temperatures of the sea. Recently, the
world’s first hybrid shark known to man was discovered in Australian
waters. The finding shows that predators have been adapting to survive
the shifting temperatures.
“It’s very surprising because no one’s ever seen shark hybrids before.
This is not a common occurrence by any stretch of the imagination,”
said Jess Morgan of the University of Queensland. Australian black-tip
sharks have begun mating with the common black-tip shark. Morgan states
how the phenomenon was a very unique discovery.
Morgan and her team made the find while working off of Australia’s
east coast. Genetic observations showed certain sharks to be one species
while they physically looked like another. The Australian black-tip
shark is a little smaller than the more common black-tip shark and
can only inhabit warm, tropical waters. However, the hybrid progeny
of the two has been found in much cooler areas. This is direct evidence
of adaptation by the Australian black-tip.
Morgan’s team has been investigating climate change and human fishing
to understand fully what has caused the two different species to work
together and mate. The team is curious to know if the making of the
hybrid sharks was something old or a more recent happening. |
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