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Duckbill decoded

The platypus’ genome holds secrets to molecular evolution

By Amy Maxmen

- More than 2 years ago

To understand how humans and other mammals evolved to be so different from reptiles, scientists needed to study the genes of an intermediate species, and the platypus filled the bill.

With webbed feet and venomous claws, the furry duck-billed platypus has a little bit of everything, and its genome does too.
GENETIC HODGEPODGE With webbed feet and venomous claws, the furry duck-billed platypus has a little bit of everything, and its genome does too.