IMG_0914 [Saving California’s Big Bird]

By
Thalia
– October 16, 2012
Intern Morgan (pictured here) is working on sexing a California condor based on its 14 macro chromosomes. Because condors are sexually monomorphic, (males and females physically look the same), scientists must use two techniques to sex the birds: either chromosome analysis, which Morgan is doing, or DNA analysis. Sexing these birds is essential for captive breeding programs.