Video about animal hybrids

[Catherine]

There is something happening between species right now. There is an increasing number of hybrids.
Totally different species are producing offspring. This is particularly noticeable in the arctic. 
Narwhales and beluga whales have cross bred. Polar bears and Grizzly bears have started producing cubs together.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/general/...ruby&ei=55

What does this mean? It is going to take more observation and study to answer that question.

[Tobi]

How interesting and unusual.

I have heard of more common animal hybrids (such as dogs and wolves), but have never heard until this, of a Grizzly bear mating with a Polar bear!

I wonder if one reason might be that the natural mates of each species are somehow unreachable? That for instance, could be caused by topographic features changing owing to global warming? Or because a Polar bear is outside of its usual territory; further south for example in search of food
Another thought is sadder, and may mean the natural mates are absent.

[Catherine]

I am not sure they know why hybrids are happening. Polar bears are spending more time on land because of climate change. This would give them more chance to meet up with grizzly bears. Other hybrids, it is hard to say. I knew a half coyote dog. The mother was in season when she was in coyote territory. She had a litter of half coyote puppies. I am sure the male was still breeding with regular coyote females, but the dog was right there and the male couldn't walk away from her.

Maybe these odd matings are a matter of chance. It can be bad for a species, but it can also be good. The cross between two species is usually sterile, but not always.
It might be a way of adding new genetic material. We will need to study it more to understand what is happening and why.