A new study presents genomic evidence of hybridization between two closely related species of sea stars -- Asterias rubens, the common starfish, and Asterias forbesi, known as Forbes' sea star.
Scientists have long suspected two species of sea stars -- commonly referred to as starfish -- along rocky European and North American coastlines of crossbreeding in the cool waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Now, according to recently analyzed genomic data, hybrid starfish are living and thriving, from the shores of New England to the Canadian Maritimes.
The study's species distribution models accurately predicted hybrid zones to occur where these ranges overlapped -- the Gulf of Maine being at the center of hybridization -- suggesting that environmental selection played an important role in the preservation of hybrid zones.Additionally, the results indicate thatprefers colder habitats, and hybrids are found in areas with temperatures that are tolerable by both species.
"Since sea stars preferentially eat dominant competitors, they provide stability to the ecosystem," the biologist explained."These species are therefore crucial to study for marine conservation, as they have rippling effects throughout the rest of the community."
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