'Extinct' Wild Horse Roams Again

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 12-19-2005 | Charles Clover

[CindyDawg]

Not yet but if mine ever bites me I'm biting back:')

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

I was hoping for a five toed Eohippus!

[cowboyway]

Progress is being made in breeding Cro-Magnon man.

Ha! Us Neanderthals have been breeding successfully for years.

[GreenFreeper]

ECO-PING

FReepmail me to be added or removed to the ECO-PING list!

Sounds more like a distinct population segment!

[Carry_Okie]

Sounds more like a distinct population segment!

Actually, in this case (for once), I might call it a separate species on the strength of having a different number of chromosomes than the horse. Some experiments to determine if the two could produce viable progeny are possibly in order.

[GreenFreeper]

Actually, in this case (for once), I might call it a separate species on the strength of having a different number of chromosomes

Perhaps, but many salamanders (I believe plants as well)have different numbers of chromosome yet fall under the DPS. I still don't think we have a firm grasp on what a species really is.

[Carry_Okie]

I still don't think we have a firm grasp on what a species really is.

A distinction of interest only to the legally debauched.

I concur wholeheartedly, especially in the plant kingdom. I've got vicia on my property that is a hybrid of European and domestic varieties. I've got dandelions that are viable hybrids of annual and perennial "species" (annual/perennial itself being somewhat arguable as some can behave either way depending upon climate).

[Marine_Uncle]

"I still don't think we have a firm grasp on what a species really is."
Interesting thought. Let the cards fall where they may as science un-ravels the many mysteries. So much to learn, un-learn, and revise.

[Carry_Okie]

Let the cards fall where they may as science un-ravels the many mysteries. So much to learn, un-learn, and revise.

Bingo. Dumping this stupid model would be the greatest boon to botany since Mendel. People might actually start studying specimens in situ for what they are and how they behave, instead of what they resemble, whether you can name it after yourself, and if you can get a grant to "protect" it.

[Marine_Uncle]

"People might actually start studying specimens in situ for what they are and how they behave, instead of what they resemble, whether you can name it after yourself, and if you can get a grant to "protect" it."
Well put and appreciated. Human pride and selfserving personal goals often override what many are lead to believe is the primary goal of scientific research, e.g. establishing a true state of things.

[najida]

Cool!

It's Eeyore!

[elbucko]

I've always heard that horse was pretty good eating, have any of you all tried it?

No, but smart-ass "long pig" is digestible if it's prepared correctly.

[SunkenCiv]

Note: this topic is from 12/18/2005. Thanks blam.