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Platypus genetic code unravelled

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Scientists have deciphered the genetic blueprint of the duck-billed platypus, one of the oddest creatures on Earth.

The animal comes from an early branch of the mammal family, and like mammals it is covered in fur and produces milk. However, it lays eggs like a reptile.

Researchers say this unique mixture of features is reflected in its DNA.

Credit: BBC News
rodbegbie

24 responses // Platypus genetic code unravelled

  • I love things that are exceptions to the rules. Live long and prosper Platypus!
    uroborus8
  • this is great, they're like the wildebeests of the water
    MEnglish
  • "The platypus is so strange that it was considered a hoax when sent from Australia to European researchers in the 19th Century."

    Can you imagine, the Platypus, fresh off the boat, presented to learned company and the creature is ridiculed as a creation.

    The Platypus Rocks

    Purdey
  • http://youtube.com/watch?v=0igE8QJizKA
    Platypus you are just like the Honda Element!
    Swiyyah
  • http://www.cryptomundo.com/wp-content/uploads/evolution...
    Image...
    Obama - Platypus... The perfect ticket?
    critter
  • they taste like chicken.
    rabidlemur
  • Perhaps this unique mixture of mammal and reptile genes could help mankind? At any rate, this is an interesting step towards understanding the animals around us.
    lifestudentno83
  • yeah, poisonous chicken alright!!

    jade_azul16
  • oh, and btw that commercial is awesome swiyyah!
    jade_azul16
  • Really? I wonder what they taste like... maybe I put it in my next Tur-plat-en (turducken)!
    nicsansone
  • I think god was bored when he created this animal, or something. just a thought
    tasidude
  • i love the platypus cuz it so strange. it looks like a mole wearing a mask, you almost expect it to fall off any minute.
    blue_blooded
  • When Obama becomes President, he should make the platypus the official White House pet... : D
    MissJonaLyn
  • I think there's one hanging in my family tree. I feel like the platypus looks some days. Don't quite fit in this world.
    patsarts
  • watch this comment being used here, here, here, here, here, and here
    This just goes to show if there's a corner, nature will round it off.

    BentFranklin
  • Huzzah! This is all dandy, but what percentage of DNA do humans and platypi share???
    TheNotAdrienne
  • I heart the platypus!
    jarratt
  • We all probably have a platypus gene in us.
    Ice_cream_Man
  • Unraveling platypus DNA is against God and the Bible. I say we burn down the museum of science!!! So this never happens again!
    EmperorThan
  • What is the only other egg laying mammal on Earth?
    amaness
  • Image...
    @amaness

    Echidna!
    What do I win? An echidna, perhaps?
    saverio
  • Emperor Than, Unravelling DNA is using our brains. Are you suggesting God would prefer we not use them? Also where in your edition of the various Bibles written only by humans and for humans - again using our brains - do you find statements that we ought not unravel DNA?
    notonourwatch
  • notice the wording, "genetic blueprint." Not "evolved mudprint."
    jdchristianson
  • Hells ya, the Platypus has always been a favorite animal. Now they need to crack the genetic code of the turtle. And EmporerThan, it scares me that you have not opened up your mind to the possibilities of this world--please be careful of your close-minded extremism. And may the platypus continue to rock-on with its blue-bill, fur, and funny looking paws. Are they legal to own by chance?
    thewarnerla

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