animals

Geneticists at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY are studying an adorable puppy that can blend effortlessly into its surroundings, seemingly at will.

“We sequenced Moxie’s genome and compared it to all the species in our data banks,” says Dr. Lauren Malvers, a researcher at the lab. “Two genes came up as a perfect match for DNA we see in chameleons. They are the switches that allow that species to change color based on its surroundings, typically to hide from predators.”

How Moxie came to posses chameleon DNA is still a mystery to scientists. “Random mutation is possible, but highly unlikely. Inter-species breeding is certainly impossible, as far as we know,” says Malvers. “We haven’t ruled out aliens.”

Researchers will continue running tests on their samples. Meanwhile, Moxie has been enjoying her unique ability to hide from roommates when its her turn to do the dishes.

via frostypenguin-101

via @giganticfrank

Quigley the dog follows the beat of his own drum. The area pup is known to do a number of things that are historically associated with cats.

“He sleeps a lot during the day, he sits in boxes, and he freaks out whenever I use the can opener,” said roommate Clem Watkins. 

Dr. Belinda Cox, an animal psychologist at Emory University said that though Quigley’s behavior is unusual, it’s not a cause for concern.

“I mean, bugs pretending to be plants, moths pretending to be birds, cuttlefish taking on the colors of their surroundings. Most imitation in the animal kingdom is for disguise and protection,” she said. “I’m not sure what the purpose of Quigley’s mimicry is, but it’s nothing to be worried about. I mean unless he starts to purr.”

Watkins, for one, thinks the dog is a pioneer.

“He has the courage of his convictions,” he told The Fluffington Post. “Quigley follows his own path and doesn’t let anyone tell him otherwise. I admire that.”

Via kyl1996.