Ugliness is what keeps different species from mingling, research says

In nature, it is not uncommon to find species that, while sharing similar environments and behaviors, simply do not mix together. According to researchers at the University of British Columbia, this biodiversity has a simple explanation: animals simply do not want to cross because they consider others "ugly".

Scientists have come to the conclusion that while females of one species continued to be "selective" when choosing a mate, there is little chance that different populations will mix.

“Our models show that species can co-exist stably in the same habitat as long as two simple conditions are met. First, the distribution of resources must not be uniform so that groups of females with different preferences can occupy different points. Second, females need to have reasons to be selective, such as a low fertility rate or high pup mortality, ”explains researcher Leithen M'Gonigle.

Even seemingly monotonous areas, such as lakes or pastures, may have these characteristics, which makes cross-species crossing a problem. This helps females avoid the energy expenditures needed to get around desirable partners or avoid those seen as ugly, helping to contribute to the biodiversity of the environment.

* Posted on 3/4/2012

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