Genes That ‘Don’t Play Well Together’ Drive Development of Distinct Species

January 29, 2024 • by Contributing Writer

Justin Havird, Erik Iverson and their colleagues have identified genes involved in hybrid incompatibility in swordtail fishes.

Fish swimming in an aquarium

The sheepshead swordtail fish (Xiphophorus birchmanni). Photo credit: Dan Powell.


Three separate images of fish

The sheepshead swordtail fish species (pictured left) has a reduced sword, a large body, and unique body patterning and coloration compared to its cousin, the highland swordtail (pictured center). The hybrid of these two species (pictured right) displays a blend of these characteristics. Photo credit: Dan Powell.

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Three birds are shown. On the left is a blue jay, which is primarily blue with some patches of white on wing tips, around the face and on the chest. On the right is a green jay, which is primarily green with a lighter colored chest and a mix of blue and black patches on the face. In the center is a hybrid bird, which is primarily blue and resembles a blue jay, but with a larger area of black on the face, more akin to a green jay.

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