Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 22nd February 2024

Butterfly and moth genomes unchanged for 250 million years
New understanding about the evolution of butterflies and moths is expected to inform future conservation efforts.
Their chromosomes remain the same despite 160,000 diverse species.

An analysis of butterfly and moth genomes has revealed that their chromosomes remain largely unchanged since their last common ancestor, over 250 million years ago.

The findings highlight key insights into their biology, evolution and diversification, and could inform future conservation efforts.

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, analysed over 200 high-quality chromosome-level genomes to understand their evolutionary history.

They identified a genetic stability across the samples, despite the diversity in wing patterns, size and caterpillar form across over 160,000 species globally.

They also discovered rare groups of butterfly and moth species which broke from these genetic norms, and underwent genetic rearrangements. This included chromosome fusions, where two chromosomes merge, and chromosome fissions, where a chromosome splits.

These findings highlight the constraints which govern the genome evolution of these ecologically vital insects. It also offers insights into the factors which enable some species to defy these rules of evolution.

New understanding about the evolution of butterflies and moths is expected to better inform future conservation efforts, supporting the creation of targeted strategies, monitoring of ecosystem health, adapting to climate change, and incorporating of genetic information into other conservation initiatives.

The work forms part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project, which aims to sequence all 70,000 species in Great Britain and Ireland.

It also contributes to ongoing studies, as researchers aim to identify the processes which drive the evolution of chromosomes in these diverse species.

Charlotte Wright, the first author of the study at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “It is striking that despite species diversifying extensively, their chromosomes have remained remarkably intact. This challenges the idea that stable chromosomes may limit species diversification.

“Indeed, this feature might be a base for building diversity. We hope to find clues in rare groups that have evaded these rules.”

The full study can be found in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Image © Shutterstock



Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2024 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.