plant hybrid chromosome doubling new species

A plant hybrid can become a new species by doubling its chromosomes

Some plant hybrids are sterile because chromosomes from their two parent species cannot pair properly. If all the chromosomes are copied, each one can gain a matching partner. The hybrid may then become fertile and form a new species.

Some octopuses drill through shells

Some octopuses use tiny teeth near their mouths to drill into the shells of crabs and mollusks. Their toxic saliva then helps break down the shell, and the prey dies very quickly once the shell has been opened.

Predatory fish can carry much more mercury than their prey

10× the prey fish’s body burden

Fish take in methylmercury faster than they can remove it. Larger fish then eat many smaller contaminated fish, causing mercury to build up through the food chain. A predator can carry about ten times as much as the fish it eats.

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plant hybrid chromosome doubling new species

A plant hybrid can become a new species by doubling its chromosomes

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