“Do you think God gets stoned? I think so . . . look at the platypus.”
(A quote from Robin Williams.) I love biology, but I must admit, the platypus must have been one David Attenborough broadcast I missed. I came across this posting from the National Science Foundation:
Platypus Genome Decoded: Genome may yield clues about evolution and disease prevention.
Umm.. what? Well, it turns out that the platypus is one quite remarkable animal. I did recognize the picture, and always figured it to be some relative of the beaver. In reality, it is, as the report goes…
Platypus DNA is a combination of reptiles, birds and mammals.
And the traits follow suit: Venom (reptile), eggs (birds), and lactation (mammals). Like any young scientist, my first curiosity points to the venom. Venom? Cool! Wikipedia provides some interesting tidbits. Apparently, the venom come from a spur on the male’s hind limbs.
Remind me not to grab a platypus by the feet.
A holistic approach to technology integration and research into working, learning, and living spaces. Investigating issues of convergence, natural science, social science, and art. Seeking technology's place in professional learning communities. Biologist by degree, engineer and computer scientist by hobby. Oh...and designer when I feel creative.
I love the platypus.