[PatrickHenry]

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle.

Nephew, more likely.

could this fusion have created this "gene desert"?

The gene desert is proof of the Fall. And the Flood. And design. And Darwin's degeneracy.
</creationism mode>

[furball4paws]

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'
Keep the Luddites rollin'
Rawhide

Ya can't understand 'em
Just rope, tie and brand 'em
Soon they'll be at the end of their line.

.
.
.
rawhide

(sorry Clint)