emperor marmoset
zooillogix | March 27, 2007Gandalf of the Marmosets, Emperor Marmoset, Saguinus imperator
Animals that carry cells from another individual, most often a fraternal twin (non-identical), are known as chimeras. Aside from marmosets, chimeras have been discovered in humans, cats and cows. Considered a rare fluke in most species, marmosets have a unique embryonic development that results in most of them sharing chimeric blood. Researchers recently discovered that the swapping goes even further: 50% of male marmosets carry their brothers' sperm and 10% of female marmosets have their sisters' ovaries. That means marmosets can…