A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has identified a rare hybrid frog species caused by deforestation-driven overlap between two frog species. The Leyte Chorus Frog, native to Leyte Island in the Philippines, was thought to be a subspecies due to its rarity and limited specimens. However, a recent study using modern genomics and decades-old museum specimens revealed that it is actually an F1 hybrid of two distinct parent species: K. c. meridionalis and K. picta.
Deforestation has led to the overlap of habitats between tree-dwelling females and ground-dwelling males, resulting in unexpected hybridization. The hybrid frogs have intermediate-sized toe pads, making them a perfect intermediate between their two parent species. However, they are unable to reproduce due to genetic incompatibilities, rendering them an evolutionary dead end.
The discovery was made using genomic material from museum specimens collected in the 1940s and 1990s, which were analyzed using cutting-edge tools and bioinformatic methods. The study found that the hybrid frogs have 50% of their genetic material from one parent and 50% from the other.
“This is a breakthrough in understanding the impact of deforestation on biodiversity,” said Dr. Kin Onn Chan, lead author of the study. “We hope this discovery will shed light on the importance of preserving natural habitats and preventing further hybridization.”
The study’s findings emphasize the critical role played by specimen-based museum research in deciphering biological problems that rely on clues from preserved specimens. The researchers used the same museum specimens collected 30-80 years ago to solve the mystery, highlighting the importance of long-term data preservation.
The discovery of the Leyte Chorus Frog hybrid has significant implications for conservation efforts and understanding of evolutionary processes. As the world continues to face environmental challenges, such findings highlight the need for continued research and protection of natural habitats.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/it-looks-like-nothing-else-meet-the-bizarre-frog-that-shouldnt-exist