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🐹 Relationship Between Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus.

The two species belong to the same genus (Phodopus) and are genetically very close.
Hybridization and Relationship (Phodopus)
Ability to Produce Live Hybrids: These two species are the only dwarf hamsters known to interbreed in both wild and captive environments, producing live hybrids.
Hybrid Infertility: However, the hybrid males are generally sterile, while the females may be fertile or infertile. This hybrid infertility is an important piece of evidence for reproductive isolation during the process of speciation.
Parental Influence on Growth: The direction of the cross significantly affects the growth of the fetus and the placenta. One cross direction (e.g., P. campbelli female x P. sungorus male) can cause the placenta and fetus to overgrow, leading to severe developmental defects or even the death of the mother. In the opposite cross direction, the fetuses can survive at a normal size.
Natural Habitat: While the natural habitats of the two species overlap in some areas, P. campbelli is generally found in the Central Asian steppes, and P. sungorus is distributed in the Siberia and Manchuria regions.
Physical Differences:
P. sungorus has the ability to change its fur color to white in winter (Winter White), whereas P. campbelli does not.
P. campbelli typically has a narrower and darker dorsal stripe, and the base of the belly fur is gray. In contrast, P. sungorus tends to have belly fur that is white right down to the base.
🏡 Relationship as Pets (Hybridization Issue)
Confusion: The two species are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance or are collectively referred to as "Russian Dwarf Hamsters."
Hybrid Hamsters: Many dwarf hamsters sold in pet stores are likely hybrids between the two species. This indiscriminate breeding can lead to genetic diseases, breeding problems (small litters, congenital issues), and threaten the purebred populations.
Temperament Differences: P. campbelli is generally known to be more aggressive or to have a stronger territorial instinct over its enclosure compared to P. sungorus.
In conclusion, Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus are sister species within the same genus. They are close enough to produce hybrids, but they represent important subjects of study as they demonstrate the mechanisms of reproductive isolation, such as hybrid sterility and parental-direction effects on fetal growth, through which speciation is progressing.