Some of the definitions of the term "hybrid" might conceivably be interpreted broadly enough to include these critters...but, nevertheless, using the term "hybrid" the way it is presented here is misleading and inaccurate. Irresponsible journalism at its finest.
Glofish apparently were created by the genetic modification of the fish in question. They have specific genes derived from jellyfish and/or anemones artificially introduced into the genetic makeup, giving them their unique fluorescent quality. Do we hear these animals being referred to as fish/anemore hybrids? Of course not; there is no cross-breeding taking place, and the resultant animal is clearly a fish. Calling it anything else would be counterproductive to marketing it successfully.
But, hey, calling these new creations "catfish/alligator hybrids" sounds cool and dramatic. The average person...quite rightfully...interprets that to mean an actual cross-breeding between these two widely disparate species, which is total nonsense. But if it sells stories...that's apparently good enough to allow for a little bending of the truth and loose play with words.
After all, it's not as if journalists are professionals who use language as the tool of their trade or anything like that...
Right! It’s no different then the freezer fresh tomatoes that incorporated salmon genes.
i believe Genetically modified organism is the correct termnot hybrid-
but more so, I’m wondering if this is the beginning stages of a push to ban some fish- it feels like the fear mongering around snakeheads and waking catfish
Are fish/tomato hybrids turning your freezer into a death-trap?
That story coming up. But first: Geeks or Nerds? A new study indicates that even they can't tell each other apart...and the government eyes new legislation to deal with the frightening implications of this confusion.
We are The Media. We think about what we report to you...so you don't have to!
"... even though [it] is still just a catfish"?
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Just? As in a lower lifeform than other fish perhaps? (The article is in reference to the agriculture industry.) Or, perhaps lower than people?
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Alligator-people? Wouldn't you like to have a "between two- and five fold higher [survival rate]"?
