An argument that has been raging among biologists for over a decade – whether comb jellies or sponges were the first group to split off from the common ancestor of all animals – has a new twist, thanks to an analysis of genetic patterns
at the University of Vienna in Austria. “People feel like they’ve been banging their heads against the wall.”Now, Schultz and his colleagues have pursued a new line of evidence. Where previous studies compared small-scale changes in the DNA sequences of comb jellies, sponges and other animals, his team looked at larger-scale patterns in the order of genes on their chromosomes.
The idea is that these patterns — known as synteny — are more stable over longer periods of evolutionary change, says Schultz. While individual genes can be reshuffled by evolution, the reordering of linked groups of genes caused by mixing and fusing chromosomes is both a rare and irreversible event.
Schultz’s team compared shared patterns of synteny between two species of comb jellies, two species of sponges and two species from other animal groups. In order to determine patterns of synteny prior to any divergence, the researchers looked specifically at 31 groups of genes shared between comb jellies and at least one of three single-celled ancestors of all animals.A monthly celebration of the biodiversity of our planet’s animals, plants and other organisms.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alien-like comb jellies raise questions on the evolution of nervous systemsThe discovery of the comb jelly's fused nervous system presents a lot of questions. Researchers wonder how this unique network develops and functions.
Read more »
Comb jelly ancestor may have been first animal to branch from tree of lifeA new study offers some of the strongest evidence yet that comb jellies may have descended from the 'sister to all other animals.'
Read more »
700 Million-Year-Old Family Feud Settled: Genetic Linkages Illuminate Earliest Animal EvolutionMapping gene linkages provides clear-cut evidence for comb jellies as sibling group to all other animals. A groundbreaking study published in Nature by MBARI researchers and their collaborators offers fresh insights into the earliest points of animal evolution, tracing back over 700 million years
Read more »
Anti-Abortion group that attacked Trump goes after Nikki HaleyRepublican candidates have expressed more support for states' rights when it comes to abortion, drawing criticism from a major GOP donor.
Read more »
This Native Hawaiian Dance Group Is Creating A Sense of Home In The D.C. RegionAmber Maikui might be more than 4,000 miles away from her hometown of Honolulu, but she feels right at home whenever she gets to perform hula with her daughter.
Read more »
Top conservative advocacy group targets House Democrats over crime with new ad blitzA leading conservative advocacy group for Republican causes is targeting House Democrats over crime and urging Congress to support a new measure that backs law enforcement.
Read more »