scipaMule clones finish race, black swans unfaithful partners
June 9th 2006 08:52
Two cloned mules were raced against naturally bred animals for the first time last Sunday. The clone brothers, Idaho Gem and Idaho Star finished in third and seventh place at the 20th annual Winnemucca Mule Races, Show & Draft Horse Challenge in Nevada, US.
As BBC Science reports, Don Jacklin, who financed part of the cloning project, said: "I think both animals, especially Idaho Gem, showed they have a lot of upside. They both proved they could compete.”
In other zoological news, it turns out that swans, once a symbol for love and fidelity, are not quite as faithful as we thought. In fact, according to what Dr Raoul Mulder of the University of Melbourne told ABC Science, "infidelity is rife among black swans".
Dr Mulder is currently researching the mating patterns of swans using miniature tracking devices and decoders. The study hopes to reveal the advantages of polygamy. "There are risks associated with mating with other birds so there must be some evolutionary benefits," he said.
As BBC Science reports, Don Jacklin, who financed part of the cloning project, said: "I think both animals, especially Idaho Gem, showed they have a lot of upside. They both proved they could compete.”
In other zoological news, it turns out that swans, once a symbol for love and fidelity, are not quite as faithful as we thought. In fact, according to what Dr Raoul Mulder of the University of Melbourne told ABC Science, "infidelity is rife among black swans".
Dr Mulder is currently researching the mating patterns of swans using miniature tracking devices and decoders. The study hopes to reveal the advantages of polygamy. "There are risks associated with mating with other birds so there must be some evolutionary benefits," he said.
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