Lady Gaga inspires fern nomenclature - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Lady Gaga inspires fern nomenclature

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DURHAM, NC -

Researchers at Duke University have named 19 species of fern after Lady Gaga.

Biology professor Kathleen Pryer says they did so because of her "fervent defense of equality and individual expression." One species is called Gaga monstraparva, meaning "little monster."

Another is called Gaga germanotta, for Lady Gaga's real last name.

At one stage of their lives, the ferns can be either male or female, and part of the DNA sequence spells out GAGA.

Pryer says the heart-shaped outfit Lady Gaga wore to the 2010 Grammys looks like the bisexual reproductive stage of ferns, and her "paws up" salute looks like the way ferns extend their leaves.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

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