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https://theconversation.com/we-mapped-the-entire-bilby-genome-and-now-we-can-use-poo-to-save-australias-easter-bunny-from-extinction-233557>
"Commonly known as Australia’s “Easter bunny” due to its large ears and hopping
movement, the greater bilby (
Macrotis lagotis) is the last of its kind. Today
we published its reference genome – all 3.66 billion pieces of it.
Published in the journal
Nature Ecology and Evolution, it is the largest
marsupial genome to date. Not only is it bigger than the koala genome, it’s
even bigger than that of humans.
A genome is the entire set of DNA – the building blocks of life – holding the
genetic code for what makes a species what it is. So, what is a reference
genome and why is it useful?
A reference genome is the reference point for investigating the biology of a
species. It’s like the lid of a puzzle box: without it, you can figure out
where the pieces go with time and patience. With it, the puzzle comes together
quickly as you know what each piece is and where it goes.
The new reference genome can tell us more about bilby biology and evolution,
like what genes are involved in their keen sense of smell, or how they have a
slow metabolism to live in arid areas.
Importantly, the genome has allowed us to build new conservation tools to help
managers and rangers save this unique Australian species."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
