A Katydid.
Commonly green, its pink colour is the result of a genetic mutation known as erythrism, similar to the recessive gene that afflicts albino animals.
I can’t imagine these bugs live very long in the wild with that bright color.
Tracks
This is truly a unique cat. I mean just look at its eyes!
This is proof of uniqueness being created through genetics.
I really want this kitty. xD
And I saw this picture on facebook. Not sure where the original picture came from.
I would also like to own this kitty. It has always been a desire of mine to own a kitty with heterochromia, but this? This is just perfection in kitty form.
Bilateral gynandromorphism: a really fancy way of saying “half male, half female”.
This genetic anomaly is usually restricted to arthropods, but has been known to express itself in birds, as well. More interesting reading here.
I love existence. These are some of the neatest looking critters I’ve ever laid eyes on. Click through to see more awesome examples of bilateral gynandromorphism!
Oo. I really like this picture.
Prisoners to our genetic code.
In a sense, we are all bound by certain genetic aspects, but our genetics are not the end all of who we will be. As genetic information becomes more widely understood and available, there will be cases (as there are now) where people will discover that their personal genetics hide a nasty secret. A shorter life sentence, a predisposition to a deadly disease, or in some cases, guilt. Guilt in knowing that you possess a silent killer that will only be known in your children.
But our genetics are only part of who we are as people. The greater part, I believe, is made up of our experiences and memories. It is made of the the people we have come to know and the opportunities we decide to pursue. The people we are today is not who are genetics said we would be at birth. We are the sum of our life experiences. Certainly our genetics play a role, but it only becomes our prison if we let ourselves become prisoners.
This is a very thought provoking picture.
