Dodo DNA?
Scientists are rather excited about the very strong possibility of being able to extract some DNA from a recently discovered dodo skeleton named Fred.
A newly discovered dodo skeleton has raised hopes for extracting some of the legendary extinct bird’s DNA.
The dodo, a flightless bird related to pigeons and doves, once thrived on the small island of Mauritius, located off the coast of Africa to the east of Madagascar.
Dodos, Raphus cucullatus, stood about three feet tall and laid their eggs on the ground, which made them easy targets for predators such as rats and pigs introduced to the island by European explorers. Humans also destroyed the dodos' habitat. The dodo became extinct in the late 1600s, just 80 years after the arrival of explorers.
Late last year, biologists looking for cave cockroaches accidentally discovered a dodo skeleton in the highlands of Mauritius.
Nicknamed "Fred" after one of its discoverers, the skeleton's bones were badly decomposed and fragile, but there is still a good chance of extracting some dodo DNA because of the stable temperature and dry to slightly humid environment (keys to DNA preservation) of the cave.
We aren't sure why they are so excited about Fred. They could have come over to see Lucy and Ricky anytime.
Other Links to this Post
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Blue Crab Boulevard » On Madness — Tuesday, 28 August , 2007 @ 12:10 am
By Mwalimu Daudi, Friday, 17 August , 2007 @ 11:08 am
Pssssst! A large, thriving colony of living dodos has just been found! It is called Congress! Pass it on!
By FedUp, Saturday, 18 August , 2007 @ 11:12 am
GOOD ONE!!!