Bee fossil, DNA generate a buzz (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Scientists have identified the oldest known bee, a 100 million-year-old specimen preserved in amber.
The discovery coincides with the publication of the genetic blueprint of the honeybee, which reveals surprising links with mammals and humans.

The ancient insect, trapped in tree sap, is at least 35-45 million years older than any other known bee fossil.
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Experts believe pollen-dependent bees arose from carnivorous wasp ancestors. With the arrival of pollinating bees, flowering plants blossomed on Earth. Prior to 100 million years ago, the plant world was dominated by conifers which spread their seeds on the wind.
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The honeybee is the fourth insect to have its genome sequenced, after the fruit fly, mosquito and silk moth. Locked within bee DNA there are striking links with mammals and humans, scientists discovered.

Like humans, honeybees spread into Europe from Africa, making at least two ancient migrations. They split into two genetically different European populations which, according to DNA evidence, are more closely related to African honeybees than to each other.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6084974.stm

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. How stupid do you have to be to get stuck in tree resin?

[peacetalksforall]

2. How old do most of the Christina Bible followers think the earth

is? The universe?

100 million for this bee. Love it.

On top of that the genetic blueprint has surprising links with mammals? And with humans? That's not going to be compatible with some Bible interpretations - is it?

Some Reverends have to work hard to explain it all?

[Nevernose]

3. The man in charge of BBC's puns department must have quit.

Bees? Buzz? That's just lazy.