A mutant pig born with two bodies but one head has confused scientists.
This amazing creature was stillborn in Sao Miguel do Oeste, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil last week.
Video footage of the corpse shows that the creature has only one head but two distinct bodies from the chest down.
The piglet was born with four arms – two in front and two in back – and looked like a second undeveloped head protruding from the back.
Now scientists from the Wildlife Research Center at Western Santa Catarina University are trying to discover its secrets.
Experts now know that the beast is actually two sows united by the skull and thorax and sharing a common heart.
Ultrasound and X-ray results show that only from the abdomen down do they have separate organs such as kidneys and bladder.
“We can say they are Siamese twins conjoined at the head and chest, sharing a common heart and from the abdomen, the separation takes place,” said biologist and professor Jackson Preuss.
Preuss explains such cases are rare and such animals rarely survive.
The conjoined twins have not yet had an autopsy to learn more about them.
Preuss believes that genetic defects in pigs may have environmental origins and may even be caused by microorganisms.
However, he said that could also be due to inbreeding.
To learn more about the author, editor or agency behind this story – please click below. Story by: William McGee , Sub-Editor : Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Central European News
The Ananova site was created and dedicated to freelance, professional and independent journalists. It’s a place for us to show off our work. When our news is sold to media partners, we will include the link here.
GET NEW STORIES ON TIME!!! !
We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more information.
