British scientist 'solves' mystery of Himalayan yetis

Discussion in 'Off-Topic' started by truebluefan, Oct 17, 2013.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2010
    Messages:
    212,768
    Likes Received:
    821
    Trophy Points:
    113
    DNA tests on hair samples carried out by Oxford University genetics professor Bryan Sykes found that they matched those from an ancient polar bear.

    He subjected the hairs to the most advanced tests available.

    He says the most likely explanation for the myth is that the animal is a hybrid of polar bears and brown bears.

    Prof Sykes told the BBC that there may be a real biological animal behind the yeti myth.

    "I think this bear, which nobody has seen alive,... may still be there and may have quite a lot of polar bear in it," he said.

    "It may be some sort of hybrid and if its behaviour is different from normal bears, which is what eyewitnesses report, then I think that may well be the source of the mystery and the source of the legend."

    Read more http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24564487
     

Share This Page