“The complete genome has provided us with the answers to how a few of the platypus’ bizarre features emerged. The study has been published in the scientific journal, Nature.įrederick Nodder’s illustration from the first scientific description in 1799 of “Platypus anatinus.” For the first time, an international team of researchers, led by University of Copenhagen biologists, has mapped a complete platypus genome. Their understandings have now advanced, to a great degree. Modern day researchers are still trying to understand how the platypus - often considered to be the world’s oddest mammal - got to be so unique. Ever since Europeans discovered the platypus in Australia during the late 1700’s, the quirky, duck-billed, semiaquatic creature has baffled scientific researchers. It lays eggs, but nurses, it is toothless, has a venomous spur, has webbed feet, fur that glows and has 10 sex chromosomes. Now, an international team of researchers led by University of Copenhagen has conducted a unique mapping of the platypus genome and found answers regarding the origins of a few of its stranger features. Often considered the world’s oddest mammal, Australia’s beaver-like, duck-billed platypus exhibits an array of bizarre characteristics: it lays eggs instead of giving birth to live babies, sweats milk, has venomous spurs and is even equipped with 10 sex chromosomes.
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