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| Panda genome resembles dog |
A detailed genome map of the giant panda completed by Chinese scientists
has shown that the notoriously shy animal is genetically similar to the dog,
state media reported Sunday.
Scientists from the Beijing Genomics Institute finished sequencing the giant
panda genome in October last year but a detailed genome map was only
recently completed, Xinhua news agency said.
"The research found there is a high genomic similarity between giant panda
and dog," the report said, but added that the research also supported the
view of most scientists that the giant panda may be a subspecies of the bear
family.
The detailed mapping showed that the giant panda has 21 pairs of
chromosomes and more than 20,000 genes, Xinhua said.
The research is expected to provide scientific support for the conservation,
disease prevention and artificial propagation of the endangered giant
panda, researchers have said.
"We hope the genome map could help genetically explain why giant pandas
have little reproductive capability so that scientists can help them deliver
more cubs," Wang Jun, a scientist with the institute, was quoted in the state
press as saying earlier.
Chinese experts say there are only about 1,600 wild pandas in China, mainly
in the southwest, with another 200 or so raised in captivity in Chinese
breeding centres, and about 20 live in zoos outside China.
The animals' notoriously low libidos have frustrated efforts to boost their
numbers.
Breeders have resorted to tactics such as showing them "panda porn"
videos of other pandas mating, and putting males through "sexercises"
aimed at training up their pelvic and leg muscles for the rigours of copulation.
Scientists hope also to eventually gain a better understanding of why
pandas subsist almost solely on bamboo, another factor viewed as inhibiting
the species' range and adaptability.
Dec 13, 2009
has shown that the notoriously shy animal is genetically similar to the dog,
state media reported Sunday.
Scientists from the Beijing Genomics Institute finished sequencing the giant
panda genome in October last year but a detailed genome map was only
recently completed, Xinhua news agency said.
"The research found there is a high genomic similarity between giant panda
and dog," the report said, but added that the research also supported the
view of most scientists that the giant panda may be a subspecies of the bear
family.
The detailed mapping showed that the giant panda has 21 pairs of
chromosomes and more than 20,000 genes, Xinhua said.
The research is expected to provide scientific support for the conservation,
disease prevention and artificial propagation of the endangered giant
panda, researchers have said.
"We hope the genome map could help genetically explain why giant pandas
have little reproductive capability so that scientists can help them deliver
more cubs," Wang Jun, a scientist with the institute, was quoted in the state
press as saying earlier.
Chinese experts say there are only about 1,600 wild pandas in China, mainly
in the southwest, with another 200 or so raised in captivity in Chinese
breeding centres, and about 20 live in zoos outside China.
The animals' notoriously low libidos have frustrated efforts to boost their
numbers.
Breeders have resorted to tactics such as showing them "panda porn"
videos of other pandas mating, and putting males through "sexercises"
aimed at training up their pelvic and leg muscles for the rigours of copulation.
Scientists hope also to eventually gain a better understanding of why
pandas subsist almost solely on bamboo, another factor viewed as inhibiting
the species' range and adaptability.
Dec 13, 2009