Genetic Make-Up Of the Platypus

Isaac created a habitat for a Platypus for one of his research projects earlier this year. While doing the research, he also taught us the word monotreme. These are mammals who lay eggs.

Yesterday a story came out about a group of scientist who have mapped the platypus genome. As the monotreme designation indicates, it turns out the DNA of the animal also includes an amalgam of mammalian and reptile characteristics.

Surprisingly, humans and the platypus shared a similar genetic make-up until 165 million years ago. At that point, the platypus branched off, and still retains evidence of snake and lizard DNA today.