Category Archives: Scientific Research
The myth of the common segmented ancestor
Before the advancement of mollecular genetics, segmentation was viewed with an emphasis on the functional and phylogenetic advantages of having a segmented body plan. However, recent molecular evidence has shifted the view of segmentation from that of a physiological approach to that of an onto-genetic view. Common subjects for such studies of segmentation include the mollsuks the annelids, arthropods and chordates; all of which exhibit segmentation in one form or another. However, even with recent mollecular evidence, there is still debate as to what exactly constitutes a segmented organism. There is usually a distinction between animals that are “segmented” and those that merely exhibit serial repetition (Seaver,2003). Serial repetition refer to body parts that exhibit repeating themes. An example of such an organims would be branching points in hydrozoa colonies. (Pechenik, 2005). In order for an animal to be considered truly segmented, repeating structures must be present from anterior to posterior ends with each segment consisting of repeated tissues or organs that are ectodermally and mesodermally derived,(Seaver 2003). Read the rest of this entry
The Genetics of Monogamy! Guys? Girls? You better read this:
Ever wonder why some people are exceedingly good at being with someone and others struggle? Most would blame it on personality, upbringing, hormones. But what if you found out it was out of your control? What if you found out you were predisposed from birth to be monogamous or not!?
Scientists at Emory University have begun to study Prairie voles and have come out with some amazing discoveries! The reason they studied prairie voles is they are a monogamous rodent! A similar species though the meadow voles are super promiscuous and love to be in the end alone. Read the rest of this entry
