Hunting flocks and not afraid of people: part of North America seized the "Army of Hybrids"

Researchers believe that these animals are currently in the midst of the evolutionary transition, but do not yet know what they should be called. Koyvovk - such a nickname inhabitants of the eastern part of North America gave hybrids that were firmly settled here. These animals are oriental coyotes, hybrids of wolves and coyotes, which also contain a significant proportion of domestic dog genes.

Scientists still do not know what name they should be given, but they say that we have witnessed an amazing evolutionary transition, IFLSCIENCE writes. These amazing animals have survived a sharp population boom in the last century and can now be found on the plains, in the parks and lanes of most of the territories of Eastern North America. In focus. Technology has appeared its Telegram channel.

Subscribe not to miss the latest and most intrusive news from the world of science! Scientists call them oriental coyotes, but there is still controversy about whether they can be considered as a separate species. Obviously, these are hybrid animals and they have taken over some clear differences from ordinary coyotes, as well as wolves and dogs. Average hybrids can weigh from 13. 6 to 18. 2 kilograms, but the largest individuals can reach 25 kg.

They are known to be a little larger than the Western coyotes, but are still smaller than wolves. Outwardly, animals are more like western coyotes than wolves: they have more elongated muzzles, longer legs, ears, and thick tails, and the color of wool can vary from brown to rusty-red, gray and even black.

The hybrid behavior seems to have taken over the characteristics inherent in all parental species: they hunt like wolves, can survive in open plains as coyotes, and are not afraid of people like dogs. It is a unique combination of traits partially and made the Koyvovka so adapted and successful. As a result, hybrids are becoming more common and capturing more and more areas. The 2016 study showed that the genetic composition of hybrids varies depending on the region.

On average, animals consist of coyotes, 30% of wolves and 10% of dogs. Since much of their genome does not belong to the coyotes, some scientists argue that the cows should be defined as a separate species. However, other scientists disagree with this statement, they claim that animals are nothing more than a subspecies or a separate population of coyotes.

All populations have their genetic variations, plus between the Eastern coyotes and other dogs, there is still a gene stream that indicates that they are not too different. According to the North Carolina University Professor Roland Case, a hybrid Psova really lives in the USA, which is the result of the amazing history of evolution. However, these animals cannot be called a separate species. The scientist also notes that hybrids should not be called "Koypovki".