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IMAGE: Researchers studied the genes on the sex-specific chromosomes of three species of snakes, including the five-pacer viper (left), the pygmy rattlesnake (center) and the mountain garter snake (right) for clues. view more
Credit: Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri), image by Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri, Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans terrestris) in San Luis Obispo County, California, by Bill Bouton
Sex-specific chromosomes are a dangerous place to be, if you re a gene. Because these chromosomes Y chromosomes, in humans do not have a matching chromosome with which to exchange genetic information, they are prone to losing non-essential genes left and right in a process called genetic decay.