Monotremes provide a key to understanding the molecular biology of mammalian gamete evolution

鸭嘴兽和针鼹（单孔目动物）是现存哺乳动物中与我们最遥远的亲缘动物，解读它们的基因组对于确定人类基因中的分子序列非常重要，这些分子序列对生育至关重要，也可能是导致不孕的原因。作为唯一一个可以进行单孔鱼研究的国家，澳大利亚有责任促进这项工作。这项研究可以用于改善动物园中这些独特的、标志性的澳大利亚动物的糟糕繁殖记录，这些动物引起了相当大的游客兴趣。单孔动物研究的发表在国际上吸引了大量的宣传。2008年鸭嘴兽基因组序列的公布吸引了全世界的头条新闻。

As the platypus and echidna (monotremes) are our most distant relatives among living mammals, interpreting their genome is important to determine the molecular sequences in human genes that are essential for fertility, and possibly responsible for infertility. As the only country with monotremes accessible for research, Australia has a responsibility to promote the work. The research can be applied to improve the poor breeding record in zoos of these unique, iconic Australian fauna which generate considerable tourist interest. Publication of monotreme research attracts considerable publicity internationally. Publication of the platypus genome sequence in 2008 attracted headlines all over the world.