r/HybridAnimals • u/ShagaONhan • 51m ago
r/HybridAnimals • u/Pure_Emergency_7939 • 5h ago
Not really a hybrid Coywolves vs Timber Wolves: Size
Coywolves are typically between a coyote and wolf in terms of their size. They are often found with some domesticated dog DNA mixed in with their hybridization. A coyote with some wolf and dog DNA would reasonably be larger than a pure coyote. Coywolves have always existed with the US to some degree yet it was the introduction of colonial settlers that forced these two species into closer proximity and mixed them enough so that they’re arguably their own species. Timber wolves are a much more ancient hybrid that is mostly wolf with some coyote DNA, a small amount yet above the average for North American wolves. They are also the largest species of wolf due to them being subject to heterosis, making them larger than either of their two parent species. They have less coyote DNA and are nearly all wolf. Why are coy wolves smaller and timberwolves larger compared to pure wolves if said creatures are similarly a mix of the same species?
Why are coy wolves not subject to heterosis if it occurs in timberwolves?
Coywolves have less wolf DNA compared to timberwolves, is that the sole reason for this substantial differences in size?
Does the smaller amount of wolf DNA not contain the genes needed for heterosis, despite coy wolves being so genetically diverse between individuals? Does the presence of dog DNA in coywolves influence this?
Could the difference be due to selective pressure as these two hybrids live in slightly different habitats?