A question hidden in the platypus genome: Are humans the weird ones?
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The platypus has one copy of the gene vitellogenin, involved in the production of egg yolks. This helps explain its anomalous egg-laying and suggests the gene may have been something other mammals lost.
PHOTO: REUTERS
When British zoologist George Shaw first encountered a platypus specimen in 1799, he was so befuddled that he checked for stitches, thinking someone might be trying to trick him with a Frankencreature.
It is hard to blame him: What other animal has a rubbery bill, ankle spikes full of venom, luxurious fur that glows under black light and a tendency to lay eggs?