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 MelbournePaula Anich – Professor of Natural Resources, Northland CollegeWes Warren – Professor of Genomics, University of MissouriPhoebe Meagher – Conservation Officer, Taronga Conservation Society, AustraliaOriginally aired August 2, 2021Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun MiyakeBig Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science.You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices