Scientists have discovered in the waters of Hawaii a rare hybrid dolphin, according to a report published on the website of the research team Cascadia Research.
The discovered specimen, according to scientists, is a hybrid of the wide-dolphin (Peponocephala electra), which is taxonomically close to the killer whales, and the large-billed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). The genetic study confirmed this hypothesis.
“Previously, hybrids of different species of whales and dolphins were recorded, but this is the first case of crossing between the two species and only the third confirmed case (given genetics) of a hybrid of wild animals between the two species in the Delphinidae family,” researcher Robin Baird told Fox News.
The discovered specimen, according to scientists, is a hybrid of the wide-dolphin (Peponocephala electra), which is taxonomically close to the killer whales, and the large-billed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). The genetic study confirmed this hypothesis.
“Previously, hybrids of different species of whales and dolphins were recorded, but this is the first case of crossing between the two species and only the third confirmed case (given genetics) of a hybrid of wild animals between the two species in the Delphinidae family,” researcher Robin Baird told Fox News.