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

由于鸭嘴兽和针鼹（单孔目动物）是现存哺乳动物中我们最远的亲戚，因此解释它们的基因组对于确定人类基因中对生育力至关重要的分子序列非常重要，并且可能导致不育。作为唯一一个拥有可用于研究的单孔目动物的国家，澳大利亚有责任促进这项工作。这项研究可以用来改善这些独特的、标志性的澳大利亚动物园的不良繁殖记录，这些动物园产生了相当大的旅游兴趣。单孔目动物研究的出版物在国际上引起了相当大的关注。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.