Scientists Discover The Platypus Has Mammal, Bird, And Reptile Genes!

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Did you know the platypus has mammal, bird, and reptile genes?

That in a report at StudyFinds where we invite you to like and subscribe for the latest information.

I mean this guy lays eggs, has fur that glows and even sweats milk.

Honestly I think the platypus and the camel were the two mammals that God designed by committee... "All right, lets vote on the duck bill... all in favor?" and then the camel... "Uh, one hump or two? OK, we'll compromise... one of each."

If you’ve ever seen a duck-billed platypus, you probably said “what an eccentric critter.”

A new study finds you don’t know the half of it!

An international team of researchers says the platypus may be the oddest mammal on Earth.

After mapping the animal’s genome, the team finds your average platypus not only carries mammal genes, but does indeed also have bird and reptile genes too!

Well I have Wranglers, Levis and Dockers and you don't see me making a big deal about it...

Anywho, researchers from Copenhagen (The university not the chewing tobacco) say this beaver-like mammal from Australia has a whole list of bizarre characteristics. For starters, the platypus lays eggs instead of having live babies. Although it has webbed feet and is an excellent swimmer, it has fur that glows under UV light.

The platypus even sweats milk and has extremely venomous spurs on its legs.
** I never knew the whole venom thing!

If that’s not odd enough for you, the platypus is one of the few mammals that have no teeth. Big deal, neither did my grandpa.

It doesn’t end there though, as scientists say these creatures also have 10 sex chromosomes in their genes while mammals like humans only carry two.

The study finds the platypus belongs to an ancient group of mammals called monotremes. These animals existed millions of years before modern-day mammal species emerged on Earth.

And this guy is carrying a lot of baggage too! One study author said – "It has preserved many of its ancestors’ original features — which probably contribute to its success in adapting to the environment they live in."

The genetic study reveals that the platypus still carries one three vitellogenin genes. Those are genes responsible for making egg yolks This is how the platypus continues to lay eggs instead of having live births. This is how the platypus continues to lay eggs instead of having live births.

Unlike species that need all three genes to make eggs, the platypus only needs one egg-laying gene because it also produces milk for its young. Which of course it does by sweating it out.

Researchers add the other two genes dropped off during evolution around 130 million years ago.

**Now how do they know that. I mean I love that they do but It's not like someone left a checklist laying around.

The team also uncovered what happened to the platypus’ teeth.

Today’s modern platypus has two horned plates which mash up bugs and shellfish to eat.

Their genes reveal the species lost their teeth around 120 million years ago after four of the eight genes which make teeth disappeared from their genome.

My wife always said I would lose things if I left them in my genes...I lost my keys just the other day.

As for their extra sex chromosomes – unlike people who have an X and Y chromosome – the platypus has five X and five Y DNA molecules. Scientists say they are more like chickens in that respect.
**I wonder if they taste like chicken...

I'm kidding of course.... Currently, the duck-billed platypus is classified as a protected species so no tasting allowed!

There is much more detail in the link in the description below on this and other studies at AT STUDYFINDS.COM

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