What Would a DNA Crossbreed Between an Eel and Wombat Look Like?
At first glance, the notion of a crossbreeding between an eel and a wombat may seem impossible. After all, what could a slender, graceful aquatic creature have in common with a hefty, short-legged mammal? It turns out, though, there may be more similarities between eels and wombats than one might think. Of course, crossbreeding between these two species remains in the realm of science fiction. But what if it were possible? How would the offspring of an eel and a wombat look?
Bone Structure and Composition
The first determining factor in the appearance of any animal is its skeletal and muscular structure. In the case of an eel-wombat hybrid, we can look to the parents for understanding. To date, there is no scientific literature or reports of an eel-wombat hybrid existing in nature, but it is worth exploring the commonalities between the two species to gain insight into the potential results of a crossbreed.
An eel’s body is elongated and slender, not unlike a snake. It is able to easily contort its body and move with agility in water. A wombat’s body, though smaller than an eel’s, is still quite lengthy and muscular. It is short-legged, but is able to traverse rough terrain with ease. Its broad shoulders and pronounced body allow it to move with power and purpose.
A hybrid of an eel and wombat, then, could potentially take after either of its parents in regards to its skeletal structure. Its elongated body, however, would be much denser than that of an eel. Its bones would be thicker and stronger than an eel’s, like those of a wombat. This could allow the hybrid to move in a slow and powerful manner, like both its parents.
Integument
In addition to skeletal and muscular features, the external characteristics of any creature are usually determined by its integument: the combination of its skin, fur, and scales. In the case of the eel-wombat hybrid, its integument could share similarities with either the eel or the wombat.
Eels have slimy, slim coating of mucus, which helps them slide through water with ease. This mucus also provides a layer of protection against predators. A wombat’s integument is much tougher. Its skin is thick and pliable, while its fur is coarse and protective.
The integument of an eel-wombat hybrid may fall somewhere between these two extremes. Its coating of mucus may provide some protection, but not as much as it would in a pure eel. Its scales might be thicker than those of an eel, but not as thick or tough as a wombat’s.
It is unknown whether this hybrid creature would produce any sort of fur. Based on its external features, it may be possible for it to grow some fur, which could cover most of its body and be a darker color than the skin.
Size and Color Variations
The size of this hybrid creature is unknown, as there has yet to be a successful eel-wombat crossbreed. However, we can turn to its parents for insight into what this hybrid’s size may be.
Eels are known for their ability to grow incredibly long. Commonly, they can reach lengths of four to five feet, and some have been recorded at more than six feet in length. A wombat, on the other hand, is smaller, typically reaching a length of two to three feet.
A hybrid of an eel and a wombat may not necessarily reach the length of an eel. Its body could be shorter, but plumper than either parent species. Additionally, the size of its head and limbs may be shorter than an eel’s but larger than a wombat’s.
The color of an eel-wombat hybrid could take after the coloring of either parent species. It may be dark-colored, like a wombat, or bright and shimmering, like an eel. Additionally, its external features may include bold stripes or other markings. These features could potentially make for an interesting and attractive creature.
Conclusion
Given the lack of information on eel-wombat hybrids, it is hard to predict how such a creature would look. It’s possible, however, that its body structure, integument, and color pattern may take after either parent species, or a combination of the two. Its size may be smaller than an eel’s, but larger than a wombat’s.
Crossbreeding between an eel and a wombat remains firmly in the realm of science fiction, but it is fun to imagine what such a creature may look like. It may be interesting to see a hybrid between two animals that share so few commonalities. If a successful crossbreed did occur, the result could make for a fascinating and potentially beautiful creature.