chimera and paradox

[DennisM]

I’ve noticed in the last few months here on BP.net that terms chimera and paradox have become synonymous. I’m thinking this is not true. Opinions?

[OhhWatALoser]

Chimera is one scenerio that can cause Paradox

[DennisM]

Chimera is one scenerio that can cause Paradox

agreed, but i'm thinking not all paradox are chimera. and probably we can never really know.

[asplundii]

agreed, but i'm thinking not all paradox are chimera.

OWAL was not saying that all "paradox" were chimera, just that chimera are one of the ways by which you can generate a "paradox"-type animal.

and probably we can never really know.

We can certainly know. Genetics is genetics is genetics. There is nothing about the genetics of ball pythons (or any other herp) that is any different than the genetics of any other organism on the planet. We know of a great many mechanisms in other species that generate "paradox"-type phenotypes. It is an absolute certainty that some (perhaps even all) of these mechanisms are at play in our animals.

[DennisM]

We can certainly know. Genetics is genetics is genetics. There is nothing about the genetics of ball pythons (or any other herp) that is any different than the genetics of any other organism on the planet. We know of a great many mechanisms in other species that generate "paradox"-type phenotypes. It is an absolute certainty that some (perhaps even all) of these mechanisms are at play in our animals.

Well, since we know a great many mechanisms that generate "paradox" type phenotype, it would seem you are in agreement with my original post that chimera and paradox should not be used interchangeably. That being the case apparently, then you can not say that you know if a given animal is a chimera.

[asplundii]

Well, since we know a great many mechanisms that generate "paradox" type phenotype, it would seem you are in agreement with my original post that chimera and paradox should not be used interchangeably. That being the case apparently, then you can not say that you know if a given animal is a chimera.

Yes, I agree that chimera and "paradox" should not be used interchangeably.

However, I disagree with your final assertion. With the proper method of interrogation, it is indeed possible to tell if a given animal is a chimera.

[DennisM]

Yes, I agree that chimera and "paradox" should not be used interchangeably.

However, I disagree with your final assertion. With the proper method of interrogation, it is indeed possible to tell if a given animal is a chimera.

Ok, I won't request what that interrogation would be as I could probably pass genetics 101, but not 102.