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question 38: how unnatural are our domestic animals?

The evolution of wild animals into tame domestic ones shows how man has controlled animal biology and our own culture down the ages. No domestic animals can in fact be called 'natural' – and we may wonder how far this development can go. Which animals will be the pets of the future?  Read more

question 46: only 46,400 species to go?

A marathon 20-year project is underway in Sweden. It's goal? To describe all the multi-celled living organisms in the country. Every last creepy-crawly and weed is to be tracked down, scientifically investigated and then described and illustrated in a gigantic reference work for the general public. Carl Linnaeus would be rubbing his hands with glee!  Read more