Showing posts with label genetics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label genetics. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

A paper a day keeps brain rot away


When I first started my graduate program in Genetics my adviser wisely counseled me to read one scientific paper each day. This would not only help me become comfortable with scientific literature or build a knowledge base about subjects pertaining to my project, but would create a habit of life learning and allow me to understand and be able to discuss the cutting edge aspects of my field. The problem is, I've been busy enough that I let it slip through the cracks. In an effort to improve my track record as an avid journal reader, I will begin posting once a week about an interesting or otherwise noteworthy piece of scientific news. Admittedly, this is a selfish endeavor but hopefully we'll all learn some interesting stuff along the way (at least I will, even if nobody chooses to read it).

Monday, April 14, 2008

What's a ligre?

I'm sure that all of you Napoleon Dynamite fans remember this conversation between Napoleon and Deb.

Deb: What are you drawing?
Napoleon: A ligre.
Deb: What's a ligre?
Napoleon: It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed... bred for its skills in magic.

Today we are here to find out if Napoleon really knows his hybrids. A ligre is in fact a combination of a lion and a tiger and it does in fact exist (see picture below), although for those of you seeking to improve you capacity for magic, I would not recommend buying one. A ligre is when a female lion mates with a male tiger (the female is always first).


Hybrids are formed when two species that are reproductively seperated pre-zygotically (geographic or behavioral isolation) but that , under the right circumstances, and form offspring. When the mood is right, you can end up with a Tigon, Yalkalo, Wolphin, Geep, Beefalo, or Zonkey, to name a few. When this occurs, some pretty interesting outcomes can occur. For some great hybrid pictures follow this link.


So the next time you are watching Napoleon Dynamite, remember hybrids and the amazing things that nature can produce when the circumstances are right.