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15 New Hybrid Animals Created Recently

In biology a Hybrid is the offspring resulting from combining the qualities of two organisms of different breeds, varieties, species or genera through sexual reproduction. Hybrids are not always intermediates between their parents (such as in blending inheritance), but can show hybrid vigour, sometimes growing larger or taller than either parent. The concept of a hybrid is interpreted differently in animal and plant breeding, where there is interest in the individual parentage. In genetics, attention is focused on the numbers of chromosomes. In taxonomy, a key question is how closely related the parent species are.

Species are reproductively isolated by strong barriers to hybridisation, which include morphological differences, differing times of fertility, mating behaviours and cues, and physiological rejection of sperm cells or the developing embryo. Some act before fertilization and others after it. Similar barriers exist in plants, with differences in flowering times, pollen vectors, inhibition of pollen tube growth, somato-plastic sterility, cytoplasmic-genic male sterility and the structure of the chromosomes. A few animal species and many plant species, however, are the result of hybrid speciation, including important crop plants such as wheat, where the number of chromosomes has been doubled.

Human impact on the environment has resulted in an increase in the interbreeding between regional species, and the proliferation of introduced species worldwide has also resulted in an increase in hybridisation. This genetic mixing may threaten many species with extinction, while genetic erosion in crop plants may be damaging the gene pools of many species for future breeding. A form of often intentional human-mediated hybridisation is the crossing of wild and domesticated species. This is common in both traditional horticulture and modern agriculture; many commercially useful fruits, flowers, garden herbs, and trees have been produced by hybridisation.

One such flower, Oenothera lamarckiana, was central to early genetics research into mutationism and polyploidy. It is also more occasionally done in the livestock and pet trades; some well-known wild × domestic hybrids are beefalo and wolfdogs. Human selective breeding of domesticated animals and plants has resulted is the development of distinct breeds (usually called cultivars in reference to plants); crossbreeds between them (without any wild stock) are sometimes also imprecisely referred to as "hybrids".

Hybrid humans existed in prehistory. For example, Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans are thought to have interbred as recently as 40,000 years ago.

Mythological hybrids appear in human culture in forms as diverse as the Minotaur, blends of animals, humans and mythical beasts such as centaurs and sphinxes, and the Nephilim of the Biblical apocrypha described as the wicked sons of fallen angels and attractive women.

Reference: Wikipedia

Most Expensive Dogs

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Most Expensive Dogs

There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. We believe adoption is the best option! Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home.

There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is at an all-time high for breeders who are working hard to eliminate the problems in their breeds, there are still many people out there who simply don’t know or don’t care about how health problems can affect our lives as well as our dog’s.

This is expensive breed, which can usually go for around $5,000 – $9,000. Now although one of these dogs made history by being sold for $2 million in China, it still doesn’t make it as generally the most expensive dog breeds. It is a flock guardian dog in most parts of the world, and thus sleeps in the day to be more alert at night.

10 Most Expensive Dogs You Won't Believe Exist

English Bulldogs are gaining popularity by the day, and their silly personalities are likely the reason why. But this breed comes at a cost, and we’re not just talking about the up-front purchase price of a puppy – which can reach up to $3,000 alone. English Bulldogs are prone to a multitude of health problems, which means excess trips to the veterinarian and more medical bills than your average breed. English Bulldogs are at high risk for heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, multiple eye problems, allergies, skin issues, and even hyperthermia (over-heating). Despite their health concerns, English Bulldogs live roughly 8-10 years, which means there’s a chance you’ll be stuck with veterinarian bills for quite a while.