Scientists have been debating for years whether Killer whales belong to a single species or several different ones, but new DNA evidence seems to show killer whales should be classified in at least four different species. It has always been believed that Orcas have been part of the same species, Orcinus Orca. After been observed more closely scientist are beginning to classify them differently due to their feeding habits and appearances. This is called an Ecotype. Whales from the different Ecotypes do not bread with one another, speak the same dialect, eat the same food, or have the same eye patch.
Scientists have always looked at the mitochondrial DNA from the whales and classified them as a single species, but researchers have come to believe that some species may have mitochondrial DNA that changes more rapidly or slower than others. Therefore looking at just part of the mitochondrial DNA doesn’t give a full picture of genetic variety of killer whales.
Researchers have mapped the full mitochondrial genomes of 139 killer whales from different locations and concluded that the animals fall into several genetically distinct groups.
This changes a lot. Who would have thought that these whales that are so similar actually are very different? I currently do whale research with orcas. This might bring about many different questions when concluding my findings.
Great read. I am curious as to how long it took speciation to occur in these whales. The missing links in between species are very fascinating, where as they could potential mate with either species.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, looking at the reading made me think about if this is possible in other species, which seems like it could really happen with any other species. What really makes them different? Its the same as having different types of people.
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