For the first time discovered the mating toad species

Females can actively mate with males of another species if that provides a better chance of adaptation, the new study says.

"About 25% of plants and 10% of animals are thought to be able to crossbreed. However, recent advances in gene technology are showing that breeding is more common than scientists. learn to think, "said Catherine Chen, lead author of research at North Carolina University, USA. "Some seem to be inclined to mate with other species to increase their adaptability."

Hybridism is observed in Spea bombifrons and Spea multiplicata (right).(Photo: Science).

According to a report in the journal Science on March 20, scientists have discovered that female plain-toed female toads (Spea bombifrons) actively mate with New Mexico male spad toad (Spea multiplicata) when the gas conditions They are suitable for producing "superior" and fertile offspring. This is in contrast to the conventional wisdom that breeding is an unhealthy breeding act that often produces infertile and weaker health, such as mules (a cross between a donkey and horse).

In the case of the plain toad and New Mexico, their crosses are not only fertile but also show a faster rate of development, a trait that can be a determining factor in their chances of maturity. they, especially in shallow desert ponds, can dry up before tadpoles can develop toad.

The team bred 20 female toad-toes with 20 male New Mexico male toads and tracked the development of tadpoles. They found that the size of the mother's toad's body seemed to determine the health of the offspring. And toad father due to slow pulse should give the hybrid bigger, heavier and grow faster.

To understand the female partner's tendency to choose a partner, the team set up different environments (shallow and deep water) and selected males whose pulse and call patterns were not the same.

Results showed that the depth of the water influences the decisions of the children. Specifically, those living in shallow water tended to prefer male New Mexico spaddle toads that have a slower beat, while those living in deep water don't really care about this.

In addition to natural factors, human impact can also contribute to cross- breeding in animals . For example, the development of breeding farms has allowed species of crossbreeding to meet, which in nature, their habitats are separate, the team said.

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