The always-confusing avian-reptile-mammal playtpus has had its genome sequenced, according to a report by the BBC.

Dr Mark Batzer, from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, who also worked on the study, said the data would help in conservation efforts by allowing scientists to investigate population size, structure and breeding habits.

"In the case of the platypus, clearly we learned a lot about a unique organism that has relevance in terms of its endangered status and conservation biology," he said.

"One big surprise was the patchwork nature of the genome with avian, reptilian and mammalian features," he added.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7385949.stm