I know that naturally only 2 humans of the opposite gender can reproduce but can scientists make human cow hybrids or human duck hybrids or something like that?
2006-08-11 20:57:35 · 26 answers · asked by angrychik 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
As of right now, there is unreliable research to combine such multicellular organisms. However, if you are familiar with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), it is essentially the same process.
Scientists have been able to insert characteristic genes from say a fish into a piece of vegetable, and the outward expression would be a success. Years of scientific research would be required in order to make human duck hybrids, but we've laid down the foundation and I bet we could if that was man's intention for some reason.
One major obstacle in creating freakish discoveries are the morals & ethics behind the science. So of course, be able to do such mind-blowing experiments would be heavily challenged by the public - and especially the religious!
2006-08-11 21:01:44 · answer #1 · answered by olea 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As of right now. No. While we can induce certain characteristics of certain species into another we haven't come anywhere near that far. Although scientists have already created simplistic hybrids between pigs and humans, and cows and humans. The experiments however were never allowed to grow past the embryonic stage. Chimpanzees would be a more likely candidate as their genetic code is more similar to ours than cows or ducks.
Breeding them would be extremely difficult. Most species of animals have entirely different numbers of chromosomes than humans so even should this mating take place all human animal hybrids a.k.a chimeras would be sterile just like how all donkeys are sterile so the chimeras would not be able to produce offspring of their own.
Also the legality of them would probably be an issue. Since these chimeras would have human DNA, ownership of them would be close to slavery. In February 2005 biologist Stuart Newman attempted to file a patent on human-chimp chimera genes. His claim was rejected on the grounds that it constituted slavery.
Another problem would be is our society ready for such a hybrid? Between our many philosophical views as well as racism and religious extremism would such a creature be allowed to exist? If so in what capacity? If all we would let them do is be servants it would be a return to slavery. Would such creatures be comfortable in their identity as half human half animal? Could they exist as functional members of society? Or would they be living Frankensteins? Their undomesticated animal temperment would cause many issues.
In all it just doesn't sound like a worthwhile goal to pursue any further.
2006-08-12 04:38:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...scientists can already create peaches with the genes of spiders, and things like that, by splicing DNA.
What could be more unlike than that?
But this isn't a true "hybrid". It's not like a Liger or a Mule... They can't force duck sperm to join a human egg. All genetic tinkering has to be done, not even at a cellular level...at a DNA level, and only for select traits.
Besides, a human is much more difficult. We're even more difficult to clone.
2006-08-12 04:22:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!!! The following are documented living examples:
Howard Dean Obvious Hybrid, Human and Hyena.
Al Gore Human and a tree stump
Bill Clinton Human and Pinocchio Puppet
Barbara Streisand Human and a Kasha Knish
Hillary Clinton Human and Lightening Rod
Michael Jackson Human and ??????????
2006-08-12 04:37:09 · answer #4 · answered by B'klyn Barracuda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!
Through the marvels of modern science and some complex genetic engineering, scientists have been able to splice genes from a human and a rabbit, creating a creature which they call a "chimera".
Many similar experiments have been conducted on more simple animals; for instance, they inserted a special jellyfish gene into some lab rats and were able to create rats that actually glowed with a bioluminescence.
Genetic engineering has been making many advancements lately, and if the science continues, it may be possible to splice genes from all kinds of creatures, creating things that have never before been seen!
2006-08-12 04:08:22 · answer #5 · answered by Steven B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL at human cow and human duck hybrids - I reckon some women were bred with cows, cos they are moody cows all the time, but aside from that, human-animal hybrids are probably just some biologists wet dreams.
2006-08-12 04:04:12 · answer #6 · answered by Bratfeatures 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chromosomes don't match between human/animal. Its like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.
Hybrids are waays of bringing genetic traits out. A cow that produces a lot of milk would be bred to male cattle with good traits and the offspring will yeild better results.
In humans, a woman with desirable traits is more likely to breed than one with undesirable traits.
2006-08-12 04:06:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever seen the movie Firstborn? It is the story of a boy born of a gorilla and a man.
It can't be done yet that I know of and if you do see this you will hope it never does.
Bring tissues for the end and don't watch it before bed, it will haunt you.
2006-08-12 04:03:00 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not very probable. They have made a human ear grow on the back of a mouse, but I believe they won't go further.
2006-08-12 04:06:59 · answer #9 · answered by Sunshine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really, animal sperm would not survive in the conditions of the human body and vice versa. And thank god for that.
2006-08-12 08:36:38 · answer #10 · answered by violet_vomit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋