Australian Platypus Genome A Link To Evolution - Scientists
Australia's unique duck-billed platypus -- an egg-laying, furry animal with web feet that spends most of its time underwater -- is in fact part bird, part reptile and part mammal according to its gene map. A team of international scientists released the platypus genome on Thursday, saying its complex sequence will aid the study of human evolution -- particularly the development of the immune, nervous and reproductive systems.