A ghost gene leaves ocean mammals vulnerable to some pesticides
Manatees, for example, don't produce a protein that breaks down organophosphates
![two manatees](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/080818_CM_marine-detox_feat.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
GHOST GENE The ancestors of manatees and other marine mammals lost working versions of certain genes millions of years ago. One of those genes protects land mammals against some harmful pesticides.
Robert K. Bonde/USGS–Gainesville