The iconic polar bear (Ursus maritimus), above, and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), below, began evolutionary divergence 200,000 years ago. But in recent years, DNA analysis has confirmed that a number of strange white-and-brown patched bears killed by Arctic hunters are naturally-occurring hybrids between the two species. This could prove even more devastating for the endangered polar bear, whose specialist adaptations to the harsh Arctic environment could be lost in hybridisation. As natural barriers such as sea ice are reduced through global warming, it is suggested that up to 22 Arctic species could begin to hybridise. Ref: Berlin (2011) Hybrid bears on the move. National Geographic Magazine June 2011

The iconic polar bear (Ursus maritimus), above, and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), below, began evolutionary divergence 200,000 years ago. But in recent years, DNA analysis has confirmed that a number of strange white-and-brown patched bears killed by Arctic hunters are naturally-occurring hybrids between the two species. This could prove even more devastating for the endangered polar bear, whose specialist adaptations to the harsh Arctic environment could be lost in hybridisation. As natural barriers such as sea ice are reduced through global warming, it is suggested that up to 22 Arctic species could begin to hybridise.



Ref: Berlin (2011) Hybrid bears on the move. National Geographic Magazine June 2011

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    :(
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    I fucking love bears. God damn.
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