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Platypus Looks Strange on the Inside, Too
NY Times ^
| May 8, 2008
| JOHN NOBLE WILFORD
Posted on 05/18/2008 6:38:57 PM PDT by neverdem
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A platypus baby, or puggle, being held before being transferred back to its burrow at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia.(Greg Wood/Agence France-Presse Getty Images)
Peter Arnold/BIOS
A swimming platypus.
A Gene Map for the Cute Side of the Family
Genome analysis of the platypus reveals unique signatures of evolution
We present a draft genome sequence of the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus. This monotreme exhibits a fascinating combination of reptilian and mammalian characters. For example, platypuses have a coat of fur adapted to an aquatic lifestyle; platypus females lactate, yet lay eggs; and males are equipped with venom similar to that of reptiles. Analysis of the first monotreme genome aligned these features with genetic innovations. We find that reptile and platypus venom proteins have been co-opted independently from the same gene families; milk protein genes are conserved despite platypuses laying eggs; and immune gene family expansions are directly related to platypus biology. Expansions of protein, non-protein-coding RNA and microRNA families, as well as repeat elements, are identified. Sequencing of this genome now provides a valuable resource for deep mammalian comparative analyses, as well as for monotreme biology and conservation.(abstract)
1
posted on
05/18/2008 6:38:58 PM PDT
by
neverdem
To: neverdem
Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend.
Inside a dog, it's too hard to read.
2
posted on
05/18/2008 6:49:14 PM PDT
by
Alex Murphy
("Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" -- Galatians 4:16)
To: neverdem
I have always thought that the platypus was Gods way of showing his sense of humor.
3
posted on
05/18/2008 6:51:52 PM PDT
by
doc1019
(I was taught to respect my elders, but it's getting harder to find one.)
To: Alex Murphy
Journey to the inside of a platypus.
4
posted on
05/18/2008 7:04:17 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(Voting CONSERVATIVE in memory of 5 children killed by illegals 2/17/08 and 2/19/ 08)
To: neverdem
Upon sequencing the platypus’ DNA, geneticists were astounded to find within its genetic code the phrase “LOL! J/K LOVE, GOD”.
5
posted on
05/18/2008 7:25:37 PM PDT
by
B-Chan
(Catholic. Monarchist. Texan. Any questions?)
To: neverdem
"The divergence occurred some 166 million years ago from primitive ancestors combining features of both mammals and reptiles." So..., the duckbill, webfeet, egg-laying, and venom-spouting all arose quickly and together at 166MYA?
6
posted on
05/18/2008 7:30:55 PM PDT
by
cookcounty
(Obama reach across the aisle? He's so far to the left, he'll need a roadmap to FIND the aisle.)
To: neverdem
7
posted on
05/18/2008 7:31:00 PM PDT
by
Unknowing
(Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.)
To: cookcounty
So..., the duckbill, webfeet, egg-laying, and venom-spouting all arose quickly and together at 166MYA?No.
8
posted on
05/18/2008 7:47:46 PM PDT
by
Alter Kaker
(Gravitation is a theory, not a fact. It should be approached with an open mind...)
To: Unknowing
$10bucks says it DON'T taste like chicken...
9
posted on
05/18/2008 7:57:21 PM PDT
by
Chode
(American Hedonist ©®)
To: Chode
"$10bucks says it DON'T taste like chicken..."If'n it did, it'd be called a Chickenbill Platypus, wouldn't it?
10
posted on
05/18/2008 8:05:20 PM PDT
by
NicknamedBob
("Global Warming!" -- You keep saying that! I do not think it means what you think it means ...)
To: Chode
It’s half bird or dinosaur, so it would be worth ten bucks to find out. Maybe a cross between a chicken (or duck) and a squirrel?
11
posted on
05/18/2008 8:10:47 PM PDT
by
Unknowing
(Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.)
To: Unknowing
prolly tastes fishy AND gamey...
12
posted on
05/18/2008 8:42:14 PM PDT
by
Chode
(American Hedonist ©®)
To: doc1019
I thought that was what explained nipples on men.
13
posted on
05/18/2008 8:51:22 PM PDT
by
Nik Naym
(If Republicans are your problem, Democrats aren't the answer!)
To: B-Chan
Something mated with something else, that mated with something else, that mated with something else, that mated with...
14
posted on
05/18/2008 8:51:48 PM PDT
by
mtg
To: neverdem
It sounds something like a McNamara ‘do everything’ requirement for the TFX.
15
posted on
05/18/2008 9:04:44 PM PDT
by
valkyry1
To: mtg
This whole tread is outragiously funny
so funny, Im having trouble typing. LOAO! Tears down my face over the humor here. I just have sympathy for the poor Platypus, the joking and laughing notwithstanding.
16
posted on
05/18/2008 9:05:21 PM PDT
by
doc1019
(I was taught to respect my elders, but it's getting harder to find one.)
To: neverdem
17
posted on
05/18/2008 9:07:33 PM PDT
by
blam
To: Nik Naym
Yes, yes, yes
another example of Gods sense of humor. LOL!
18
posted on
05/18/2008 9:08:42 PM PDT
by
doc1019
(I was taught to respect my elders, but it's getting harder to find one.)
To: neverdem
19
posted on
05/18/2008 9:09:52 PM PDT
by
blam
To: neverdem
Platypus Fighting
20
posted on
05/18/2008 9:12:20 PM PDT
by
blam
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