Hidden DNA found in blue whales reveals they’ve been mating with other species — and their hybrid offspring. Newly sequenced genomes of blue whales in the Atlantic Ocean contain “unexpectedly high” levels of fin whale DNA, hinting that the two species have been interbreeding much more than previously realized

According to Live Science, newly sequenced genomes of blue whales in the Atlantic Ocean contain “unexpectedly high” levels of fin whale DNA. This suggests that the two species have been interbreeding more than previously thought. 

Scientists have known for years that blue whales mate with fin whales, resulting in hybrid offspring known as flue whales. Flue whales can also reproduce with blue whales, resulting in “backcrossed” offspring. These offspring have mostly blue whale DNA and some fin whale DNA. 

Although interbreeding can sometimes be detrimental, scientists believe this genetic mix might actually help blue whales. 

Blue whales are the largest animal known to have ever existed, reaching a maximum confirmed length of 29.9 meters and weighing up to 199 tonnes. They are filter feeders, and their diet consists almost exclusively of krill.

Yes, different species of whales can mate:

• Narwhals and belugas In 2019, researchers confirmed the existence of a narwhal-beluga hybrid using DNA and stable isotope analysis. 
• Antarctic and Arctic minke whales In 2011, a study showed that DNA shows Antarctic minke whales are mating with Arctic minke whales, producing at least one hybrid offspring. 
• Wholphins A wholphin is a rare hybrid that results from the mating of a female common bottlenose dolphin with a male false killer whale. Genetic divergence between different cetacean species is generally similar to that observed between humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

Yes, blue whales and fin whales can mate. The first hybrid whale was confirmed in the 1990s, and since then it has been determined that these animals can interbreed, and that their offspring can continue into adulthood and reproduce themselves

A hybrid whale is a combination of two whale species. The first hybrid whale was confirmed in the 1990s, and it’s a cross between the blue whale and the fin whale. These are the two largest animals in the world, with adult blue whales reaching close to 100 feet long and fin whales stretching approximately 80 feet

Hybrid whales are rare. Scott Baker has a theory that they exist because they’ve been reduced to very low numbers and they may simply be unable to find opportunities to mate with their members of their own species

Mostly every year, we have a special visitor in Skjálfandi Bay, a hybrid whale! This whale is special because it is a combination of two whale species. In this case, it is between a blue whale and a fin whale, the two largest animals in the world

Yes, hybrid whales can reproduce. In 2018, a study revealed that some hybrid whales can reproduce with blue whales. A 2020 study also shows that fin-blue hybrids can reproduce with one of the parent species and survive into adulthood

Until recently, it was assumed that these hybrids were infertile and could not have offspring of their own, similar to most other hybrid animals. However, a 2018 study revealed that at least some of these hybrids could successfully reproduce with blue whales

According to Wikipedia, marine biologist Michael Poole has referenced a humpback-blue whale hybrid in the South Pacific. Researchgate says that fin-blue whale hybrids are believed to occur at a frequency of one in every 1000 fin whales, while only one blue-humpback hybrid has been reported

Humpback whales and blue whales are both baleen whales, which are part of the Cetacea suborder of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. However, they are separate species

Humpback whales are smaller and bluer than blue whales, which are larger and greyer. Humpback whales have more unique markings than blue whales, and are distinguished by their long flippers, short body, and complex vocalisations during courtship

The closest living relative to whales is the hippopotamus. Both hippos and whales evolved from four-legged, even-toed, hoofed ancestors that lived on land about 50 million years ago

Humpback whales are baleen whales and members of the Balaenopteridae family, which also includes the blue, fin, Bryde’s, sei, and minke whales. Adult female humpbacks average 49 ft (15m) in length and weigh approximately 35 tons

Humpback whales are also closely related to dolphins and porpoises, which are small members of the whale “family

Yes, humpback whales and dolphins are both cetaceans, which are marine mammals. All cetaceans are warm-blooded, breathe air, and suckle their young. 

Cetaceans are divided into two suborders: baleen whales and toothed whales. Baleen whales include large mammals like humpbacks and blue whales. Toothed whales include dolphins, porpoises, belugas, narwhals, and orcas. 

Humpback whales sometimes follow dolphins to help them find food. The size of the whales can deter predators from attacking the dolphins. This is known as a symbiotic relationship, where both parties benefit

Yes, there are many whales that look like dolphins:

• Beluga whales These toothed whales are sometimes called “white dolphins without fins”. 
• False killer whales These large, dark gray whales are part of the dolphin family. They are named for their skull’s resemblance to a killer whale’s. 
• Melon-headed whales These dolphins are the most common in tropical waters. They have a round head, dark gray face, light gray body, long flippers, and a tall dorsal fin. 
• Porpoises These small cetaceans are similar in appearance to dolphins, but are more closely related to narwhals and belugas. 
• Pilot whales These small, slender toothed whales have a round forehead and a short beak-like snout. 
• Southern right whale dolphins These dolphins are similar in appearance to northern right whale dolphins, but differ in size, features, and color. 

Here are some differences between whales and dolphins:

• Size Whales are generally larger than dolphins. Even the largest dolphin, the orca, is small compared to the largest whales. 
• Social behavior Whales are more solitary and have a more complex social structure. Dolphins are smaller and have a more social nature. They often travel in groups called pods and are known for their playful behavior. 
• Dorsal fins Whales have very small or nonexistent dorsal fins, while dolphins are well-known for possessing distinctive dorsal fins. 
• Blowholes Whales typically have two blowholes on the top of their head, which they use to breathe air when they surface. Dolphins, on the other hand, have a single blowhole that is positioned at an angle on the top of their head. Whales and dolphins also have different anatomical features. Whales have a more streamlined body shape and are nearly hairless. Dolphins have smooth, rubbery skin and are usually colored in some mixture of black, white, and gray

According to Diffen, dolphins and whales are considered equally intelligent. 

Whales and dolphins have specialized brain cells called spindle neurons, which are associated with advanced abilities like recognizing, remembering, reasoning, communicating, perceiving, adapting to change, problem-solving, and understanding. 

Dolphins are known for their problem-solving capabilities and advanced communication capabilities. They are also known for being talented mimics and quick learners. Dolphins demonstrate self-awareness, problem-solving, and empathy, innovation, teaching skills, grief, joy, and playfulness. 

However, some scientists note that the cognitive abilities of dolphins shouldn’t be overblown

Yes, whales are considered to be intelligent. They have large brains, and are excellent communicators with high levels of emotional and social intelligence. They also have significant encephalization, which is a strong indicator of high intelligence. 

Some species of whales have developed social structures that rival human cultures. They forage, socialize, care for their young, and travel together. They also have communication abilities that are superior to those of humans. For example, dolphins are so good at communicating that they may be able to send sound images of fish to other dolphins. 

According to Reptile Knowledge, sperm whales are smart mammals with the largest brains on the planet. However, they are most likely not as smart as orcas, with their IQ being significantly lower at 0.58

Unfortunately, there isn’t an IQ test that we can give to measure their brainpower. However, we do know that whales are very smart. Like dolphins, whales are excellent communicators, and they show high levels of emotional and social intelligence. They also have very large brains, actually some of the largest

Here are some other whales that are considered intelligent:

• Humpback whales These whales are considered to be one of the most intelligent animals, next to humans. They have complex social systems, make tools, and communicate extensively with both songs and social calls. 
• Beluga whales These whales are very intelligent, meaning they can be trained. They are naturally curious and very social animals, often approaching boats and divers. Belugas are unique in that they have the ability to articulate their head, which helps them observe their surroundings and appear more expressive to humans. 
• Sperm whales These whales are vastly intelligent, having literally the largest brain on the planet. 
• Orcas These whales are considered to be highly intelligent, like dolphins, and even trainable. They are known to imitate others, teach skills to their young, and be incredibly curious and playful. They also have the ability to problem-solve. 
• Fin whales These whales are capable of displaying great intelligence, compassion, playfulness, and grief. 
• Right whales These whales are loving, caring, and intelligent marine mammals. 
• Blue whales These whales are highly intelligent, social creatures that typically live in groups of 10 to 100 individuals. 

Hidden DNA found in blue whales reveals they’ve been mating with other species — and their hybrid offspring. Newly sequenced genomes of blue whales in the Atlantic Ocean contain “unexpectedly high” levels of fin whale DNA, hinting that the two species have been interbreeding much more than previously realized

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