They look like a cross between a beaver and a duck, and they all live Down Under. The platypus may lay eggs, but is actually a distant mammalian cousin, one that we last saw, in an evolutionary sense, about 166 million years ago.

Genetic sequencing is being used to trace that history, while scientists intensify their investigation of the habits and habitats of these appealing Frankencreatures; beginning by taking a census to see just how many are out there, and if their survival is under threat.

Guests: 

• Josh Griffiths – Senior Wildlife Ecologist at Cesaar Australia.
• Jane Fenelon – Research fellow, University of Melbourne
• Paula Anich – Professor of Natural Resources, Northland College
• Wes Warren – Professor of Genomics, University of Missouri
• Phoebe Meagher – Conservation Officer, Taronga Conservation Society, Australia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices