Scientists find hidden “highways” guiding animal evolution
A study of thousands of animal genomes reveals that chromosome evolution follows restricted, irreversible 'highways' rather than random paths. This discovery helps scientists understand the history of animal life and aids in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Why it matters
Understanding the rules of genomic evolution allows researchers to predict future evolutionary trends and better protect endangered species.
A human, an octopus, and a coral may appear to have almost nothing in common, but their chromosomes still contain recognizable fragments inherited from an animal ancestor that lived more than 600 million years ago. Researchers at the University of Vienna have now traced how those ancient genomic pieces were reorganized as animal life diversified.
The study, published in Science Advances , suggests that animal genomes do not evolve through an unlimited number of possible routes. Instead, chromosome changes tend to move along a restricted set of irreversible pathways that the researchers describe as "evolutionary highways." The findings may also provide a valuable foundation for efforts to understand and conserve animal biodiversity.
Tracing More Than 600 Million Years of Genome Evolution
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