Old longings nomadic leap,
Chafing at custom's chain;
Again from its brumal sleep
Wakens the ferine strain.
Atavism
Atavism: a return to the ancient past, in behavior, appearance, or genes. From Wikipedia:Evolutionarily traits that have disappeared phenotypically do not necessarily disappear from an organism's DNA. The gene sequence often remains, but is inactive. Such an unused gene may remain in the genome for many generations. As long as the gene remains intact, a fault in the genetic control suppressing the gene can lead to it being expressed again. Sometimes, the expression of dormant genes can be induced by artificial stimulation.That sounds like computer code with a long legacy where an ancient feature pops up for no apparent reason.
Atavisms have been observed in humans, such as with infants born with vestigial tails. Atavism can also be seen in humans who possess large teeth, like those of other primates. In addition, a case of "snake heart", the presence of "coronary circulation and myocardial architecture [which resemble] those of the reptilian heart", has also been reported in medical literature.I've heard of people with tails before, but snake heart?? That's new!
