Thick-skinned

A study on 20 crocodile species from across the world has revealed that the reason behind their superior immune system is the diversity of their genes. Found in diverse climatic regions of the world, crocodiles have been exposed to a variety of germs. This has made their genes respond to the evolutionary challenge and lose and/or duplicate genes as per requirement. The study would help in formulating conservation and breeding programmes by showing how crocodiles respond to local diseases and conditions.

Source

Down To Earth, March, 2014