2010-01-27

'Echoes' In Bat And Dolphin DNA

The BBC reports hat scientists have found a similarity in the DNA that enables some bats and bottlenose dolphins to echolocate.

The BBC goes on to report A key gene that gives their ears the ability to detect high-frequency sound has undergone the exact same changes over time in both creatures.

The researchers report their findings in the journal Current Biology. It may be the first time that identical genetics has been shown to underpin the evolution of similar characteristics in very different organisms.

This report is not saying that bats and dolphins are directly related but simply that it is an example where the phenotypes develop in very different animal groups.

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