This brooding brittle star has monster-sized DNA

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-07 09:01

Australia; NSW; VIC

Eric A. Lazo-Wasem Gall L (2019). Invertebrate Zoology Division, Yale Peabody Museum. Yale University Peabody Museum. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/0lkr3w accessed via GBIF.org on 2019-01-12. https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/350563509, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The brooding brittle star, which can be found in rockpools across Australia and the world, has monster-sized DNA, sporting a massive genome that includes duplicated chromosomes, known as polyploidy, according to Australian research. The researchers say the genes of this brittle star are so diverse and varied that it can hardly be called a species. They say such a diverse range of genetic resources has potentially driven it to become one of the most widespread marine animals.

Media release

From: The Royal Society

Genetic variation in the brooding brittle-star: a global hybrid polyploid complex?

The secret of success in evolutionary biology are not always obvious. The most inconspicuous of animals can conceal complex life histories and tortuous evolutionary development. The brooding brittle-star Amphipholis squamata, common in coastal rockpools across the planet, is such an animal. It has a massive genome arising from the duplication of chromosomes (polyploidy), frequent hybridisations between lineages, and potentially asexual reproduction. It can hardly be called a species, the genes within this super-lineage are as diverse as within many genera. Such a diverse range of genetic resources has potentially driven it to become one of the most widespread marine animals.

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conference: Royal Society Open Science

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Museums Victoria, The University of Sydney

Funder: There was no specific funding for this work

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