Four Giraffe Species and Their Ancient Hybridization Revealed

Giraffes: Four Species and a Surprising Genetic Twist Recent genetic research has redefined our understanding of giraffes, revealing four distinct species and a fascinating history of hybridization. A TikTok video by science educator Zeke Darwin (@zekedarwinscience) brings this research to a wider audience, explaining the findings in an accessible way. Darwin's video highlights a scientific study that analyzed the genomes of various giraffe populations, leading to the identification of four distinct species: Northern, Reticulated, Southern, and Masai. The most striking finding is the reticulated giraffe's unique genetic makeup, which is 60% Northern and 40% Southern ancestry. This indicates a significant hybridization event in the distant past. "What I found most interesting is the evidence of hybridization among these lineages," says Darwin in his video. He uses this discovery to challenge the oversimplification of species classification, particularly in the context of human ancestry and the common misconception about human hybrid species. The video's clear presentation of complex scientific data makes it a valuable resource for educating the public. The discovery of giraffe hybridization and the four distinct species adds to our understanding of the natural world and the complexities of evolution.