Polyodon

So, if the tetrapod-like expression pattern of HoxD in Polyodon is consistent with front loading, then logically, the actinopterygian-like pattern of HoxA must be inconsistent with front loading, right?

Ancestral Expression Patterns 2007

The late HoxA expression in Polyodon resembled that of the actinopterygians, not tetrapods.

Ancestral Expression Patterns 2007

The North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) has only one other species as a member of the same family.

Archive 2007-01-01 2007

Several animal taxa also show unique affinities with East Asian relatives, including copperheads (Agkistrodon spp.), hellbender salamanders (Cryptobranchidae family), some land snails, and paddlefish (Polyodon spathula).

Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests 2008

Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) routinely grow 5 feet long and exceed 60 pounds.

Like a Sturgeon 2007

These were paddlefish, or Polyodon spathula, and we had caught the peak of paddlefishing season at the Lower Yellowstone Diversion Dam, 17 miles north of Glendive, Mont. - four or five days in late May or early June, when, a game warden had all but promised, "you just throw your line in, and it's hard not to catch one."

NYT > Travel By ERIC KONIGSBERG 2009