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Running Head: EVOLUTION 1

EVOLUTION 4

Evolution

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Evolution

“‘Bastard’ Mouse Steals Poison-Resistance Gene,” by Kai Kupferschmidt

Summary of the Article

The article describes the evolution of house mice after interbreeding with a different species, Algerian mouse. In animals, interbreeding of different species has been ineffective, showing dead ends of evolution (Kupferschmidt, 2011). However, the results of the hybridization of house mice and the Algerian mice suggest differently as the results of the process indicate their resistance to warfarin, a commonly used rodenticide. The researcher concludes that hybridization has been underestimated and is a crucial element in animal evolution. 

New Technology Used

           The study used hybridization technology in the exploration process through the interbreeding the house mice and the Algerian mice. The technology discovered that hybridization is a critical element in animal evolution and later realized that hybridization begins, and then the natural selection occurs. 

New Species Discovery and Information 

           A new species of the rodent family was discovered, and it is resistant to warfarin, a rodenticide that inhibits VKOR proteins. The new species is fertile for reproduction, unlike previous research findings that disputed animal hybridization. 

The Species and Information 

           The species is the resistance house mice that show a significant mutation that led to slight changes on the VKOR genes making warfarin ineffective for the new species. The study further indicates a high content of Algerian mice DNA on the resistant house mice with a new strain of the VKOR protein. “The mice attained resistance gene by lifting it wholesale from the Algerian mice.”

Method Used and Innovativeness 

Technological hybridization is the groundbreaking used method displaying a high skill of innovativeness for new knowledge discoveries. Through the hybridization process, the researchers realized that hybridization begins, and afterward, the natural selection follows. Thus, the method is innovative. 

Reference

Kupferschmidt, K. (2011). 'Bastard' mouse steals poison-resistance gene. Science | AAAS. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2011/07/bastard-mouse-steals-poison-resistance-gene