Re: [Killietalk] RE: Nothos and elephants (was hybrids)

["Ken Combs" <KCombs at mergerx_net>]

Brian commented on natural mechanisms which avoid intermixing (loosley),
after working with marines that have ranges which overlap in the wild,
I've oft noticed the coloring is usually markedly different. If anyone
knows, can fish see color? (the question seems pertitent)....oddly you
still can't mix genera in the same tank (usually), they still recognize
shape (apparently)
Secondly, I know cetain mammilian species belonging to the same genera
have "built in" reproductive barriers which prevent hydridization (mule
deer X whitetail, bobcat X lynx, et)...I also know that in some
temperate fishes there is habitat preferences when coloring is similar
(largemouth X smallmouth for example)...
What then is the primary barrier against hydridization in these nothos,
"something" must have cause the two species in question to radiate or
was it simply a matter of physical separation as opposed to some niche
specialization? (wonder what happen if they are in close proximity)
 
KC
 



To join the AKA see http://www.aka.org/pages/join.html
Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/