Extra Toes

Discussion in 'Biology & Genetics' started by Bowser, Feb 19, 2017.

  1. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    So my wife and daughter brought home a puppy several weeks back. A curious thing is that it has an extra toe on each back foot. I'm curious what genetic relic, if any, might be responsible? I know some people have extra toes and fingers, but I don't understand how the genetics happen. Are they an error or a throwback from earlier evolution?
     
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  3. origin Heading towards oblivion Valued Senior Member

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  5. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    Very common in cats.
     
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  7. Dinosaur Rational Skeptic Valued Senior Member

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    My not infallible memory tells me that there are humans with 6 useful fingers: Actually 5 fingers & an opposing thumb.

    I am almost certain I have read reliable sources describing such folks.

    I do not remember reading about humans with extra fingers which are not as useful as the regular 4, but assume there are such.
     
  8. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    A friend whom I've known for 35 years was born with an extra finger next to his pinkie.

    Though perfectly viable, the doctors wanted to remove it for the sake of aesthetics.
    Alas, they argued over the issue so long that the cartilage began to partly calcify into bone.
    Now he has a nub next to each pinkie knuckle.
     
  9. Xelasnave.1947 Valued Senior Member

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    No.
    The intelligent designer is just working on a new model.
    Alex
     
  10. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

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    Really?

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    Lets hope he upgrades the waste water and reproductive system on the male

    AND

    The solid waste management and playground facility on the female

    Forget the adding to the digital region

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  11. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    Other improvements:

    - solid waste outlets shall have their perimeter kept clear of any encroaching foliage
     
  12. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

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    So the carpet will never match curtain???

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  13. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    Regardless of what is responsible, I'm having them cut off. They bother me, the way they just dangle there.
     
  14. SereneCalm Registered Member

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    All I know about extra toes is its actually a common congenital malformation or a birth defect. Based on the article that I have read, it is caused by a genetic mutation which is an abnormal condition.
     
  15. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    Are we talking about the puppy's toes?

    You're going to have a part of its body cut off because it bothers you?
     
  16. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    Yes. It's genetic, not a birth defect.
     
  17. iceaura Valued Senior Member

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  18. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    Well, I'm considering. Seems like an unnecessary appendage. They don't serve any purpose and sometimes get caught in the carpet or furniture. And, yeah, they are distracting.
     
  19. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    How does the dog feel about it?
     
  20. TheFrogger Banned Valued Senior Member

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    My dog has extra toes.

    How does he smell?

    ...

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  21. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    I haven't asked. Judging by the funny way she sits, it might be welcomed.
     

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