Whole genome duplication shaped the evolution of the salmon family
Researchers are studying whole-genome duplication (WGD) in the salmonid family to understand how genetic redundancy drives evolutionary adaptation. By analyzing the 100-million-year-old duplication event in salmon and trout, scientists can observe how duplicated genes are retained or repurposed over time.
Why it matters
Understanding genome evolution provides insights into biological resilience and the mechanisms that allow species to adapt to changing environments.
by Joseph Robertson, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Late stage salmon embryo illustration. Credit: Eilidh Rix, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh Evolution is driven by changes in DNA that sometimes promote adaptation, altering traits like disease resistance or reproduction. Often, these changes are minuscule, modifying a single letter in the DNA code—somewhat like altering a single letter on one page of a long book.
In other cases, the change is much more substantial.
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