4 min 57 sec, FLV FORMAT

Episode 29: Platypus DNA and Online Parenting

Fresh research into the genetic makeup of the platypus, and a unique
online parenting program to help mothers and fathers cope with the
demands of new parenthood are showcased in this week's Visions.

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More information

The Genetic Secrets of the Platypus Revealed:
The genetic
make up of the iconic Australian platypus has been sequenced by a group
of international researchers including the University of Melbourne. The
research was led by Washington University St Louis and published in the
prestigious scientific journal Nature. The latest research reveals the
clues to the platypus’ unusual features through its innovative genetic
makeup. It also provides insight into mammalian genes which have lasted
over millions of years, from our earliest ancestors.

For more information visit http://www.zoology.unimelb.edu.au/research/groups/reprodev/

What Were We Thinking - A Website For Parents:
University
of Melbourne researchers have developed a unique online parenting
program to help mothers and fathers cope with the demands of new
parenthood. To see the site, go to http://www.whatwerewethinking.org.au.

For more information go to http://www.kcwhs.unimelb.edu.au

Credits

The Genetic Secrets of the Platypus Revealed:
Produced by Rebecca Scott
Camera by Clive Banfield
Edited by Rob Cross
With thanks to Professor Marilyn Renfree (Federation Fellow and Laureate Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne), Dr Andrew Pask (RD Wright Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne), Professor Peter Temple-Smith (Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne) and Associate Professor (Monash Institute of Medical Research), Australian Science Media Centre, Ian Elton (Zookeeper, Healesville Sanctuary), Dr Nerissa Hannink, (Media Officer, University of Melbourne) and of course,
Millsom the platypus!

What Were We Thinking - A Website For Parents:
Produced by Janine Sim-Jones
Camera by Clive Banfield
Edited by Rob Cross
With thanks to Jenny Martin, Euan Ritchie and baby Rohan. Thanks also to Penny Harris of 'Pen Pen Productions'.
© The University of Melbourne, 2008. All rights reserved.
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Platypus

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-06-19 22:10.

Just curious you mentioned that the platypus was one of three mammals that lay eggs however other sources claim its one of five extant mammals that lay eggs instead of live young. We were wondering if you could verify this for us thank you. Kind regards Hugh.

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Platypus query

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2008-06-25 15:18.

There have generally been recognised only three living species of monotreme: two echidnas ( one New Guinea, one Australian) and one platypus.

However, Tim Flannery and Colin Groves ( Mammalia 1998) did a revision of the New Guinea genus, and proposed that there now should be three species recognised.

Family Ornithorhynchidae: platypus Genus Ornithorhynchus
Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Family Tachyglossidae: echidnas
Genus Tachyglossus
Short-beaked Echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus
Genus Zaglossus
Western Long-beaked Echidna, Zaglossus brujinii
Sir David's Long-beaked Echidna, Zaglossus attenboroughi
Eastern Long-beaked Echidna, Zaglossus bartoni

That makes 4 species of echidna and one platypus. To further complicate matters, there are 4 sub species of one of the New Guniea species. It is clear there are still lumpers and splitters hale and hearty in the taxxonomic literature.

Professor Marilyn Renfree

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