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Whole Genome Duplications Are Potentially An Evolutionary Advantage
A study recently published in Nature suggests that whole genome duplications may have posed an evolutionary advantage in our ancient ancestors. This is a surprising discovery considering the rarity of contemporary whole genome duplications being preserved. These findings may provide insight into new “tactics” organisms use during the course of evolution. Read the original Nature [...]
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genomics Also tagged Evolution, Nature, Whole Genome Duplications 2827 Comments
Molecular Decay Of Enamel-specific Gene In Toothless Mammals Supports Theory Of Evolution
Biologists report new evidence for evolutionary change recorded in both the fossil record and the genomes (or genetic blueprints) of living organisms, providing fresh support for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The researchers were able to correlate the progressive loss of enamel in the fossil record with a simultaneous molecular decay of a gene, called [...]
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genomics, Zoology Also tagged Evolution, Genetics, Genomics, Mammals, Whales 3346 Comments
Spare Gene Is Fodder For Fishes’ Evolution
Scientists have suspected that spare parts in the genome — extra copies of functional genes that arise when genes or whole genomes get duplicated — might sometimes provide the raw materials for the evolution of new traits. Now, researchers report that they have discovered a prime example of this in fish. Read More
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics Also tagged Evolution, Genetics, Genomics, Zebrafish 3240 Comments
First Genetic Link Between Reptile And Human Heart Evolution Found
Scientists have traced the evolution of the four-chambered human heart to a common genetic factor linked to the development of hearts in turtles and other reptiles. The research shows how a specific protein that turns on genes is involved in heart formation in turtles, lizards and humans. Read More
Posted in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics Also tagged Evolution, Genetics, Genomics, Heart, Human, Reptile 2732 Comments
New Web-based Evolution Tool
Sudhir Kumar (Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University) and Blair Hedges (Penn State) have released a new web-based tool for comparing the evolutionary divergence times between multiple organisms. The tool is called the Timetree of Life and it (along with the book published at the same time) is expected to become a top resource for evolutionary [...]
Posted in Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Web Resources Also tagged Biodesign Institute, Biology, Web Resources 2582 Comments
36 Beautiful and Amazing Biology-themed T-Shirts