[neverdem]

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)

[Alex Murphy]

Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend.

Inside a dog, it's too hard to read.

[doc1019]

I have always thought that the platypus was God’s way of showing his sense of humor.

[B-Chan]

Upon sequencing the platypus’ DNA, geneticists were astounded to find within its genetic code the phrase “LOL! J/K LOVE, GOD”.

[cookcounty]

"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?

[Unknowing]

But is it Kosher to eat?

[valkyry1]

It sounds something like a McNamara ‘do everything’ requirement for the TFX.

[blam]

[blam]

Platypus Genome Is As Weird As It Looks

[Uncle Ivan]

Likely doubtful, but I wonder if one could be tamed and trained.

It would be funny to have an attack platypus.

[fr_freak]

Actually, platypuses (platypi?) were quite normal looking in the early days. They looked pretty much like beavers. But then, one day, the Platypus Supreme Court ruled that restricting marriage to a union between male and female platypuses was unconstitutional. The descent into madness started with male platypuses marrying each other, but eventually some began to turn a lustful eye toward the ducks who inhabited the same waters, and the rest is history.

[SunkenCiv]

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