Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, the capybara, is the largest living rodent and is highly social, often found in groups near water bodies in South America. Its genome reveals adaptations to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and unique mechanisms of cancer resistance despite its large body size. DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa157 Author: Amelie
Class: Mammalia
Snow leopard
Panthera uncia, the snow leopard, is a solitary and elusive big cat adapted to cold mountainous regions, with thick fur, powerful limbs, and a long tail that aids in balance. Its genome reveals adaptations to high-altitude environments, such as genes related to oxygen transport and energy metabolism, as well as evolutionary links to other big…
European shrew
Sorex araneus, the European shrew, is a small, insectivorous mammal known for its high metabolism, venomous saliva, territorial aggression and seasonal skull shrinkage. Its genome is notable for an unusually high rate of chromosomal rearrangements. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03451-0 Author: Jayden Rubio (IES Domènec Perramon)
Mexican Wolf
Canis lupus baileyi, the Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest subspecies of the gray wolf, known for its mottled coat, social pack behavior, and role as a top predator in its ecosystem. Its genome reveals low genetic diversity due to a severe population bottleneck, but also contains unique adaptations that reflect its historical range and…
Java mouse-deer
Tragulus javanicus, the Java mouse-deer, is one of the smallest hoofed mammals, standing only about 20 cm tall. It is shy and nocturnal, inhabiting dense forests of Java. Its genome sheds light on ruminant evolution and the genetic basis of miniaturization in ungulates. DOI: 10.1126/science.aav6202 Author: Naira Mahajan (Institut Angeleta Ferrer i Sensat)
Bengal Tiger
There are some tigers who do not have the characteristic orange skin. Instead, they have white skin due to a mutation in the SLC45A2 gene. This mutation reduces the production of pheomelanin (the yellow or orange pigment in their fur) but retains some eumelanin (the black pigment), which forms their distinctive dark stripes. 10.1093/gigascience/giac112 (12/28/2022)…
Crab-eating macaque
Macaca fascicularis, the crab-eating macaque, has the ability to use tools, such as stones, to open oysters and crabs—hence its name. https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2012-13-7-r58. Oct/16/2011 Authors: Alison Cegarra Saravia, Beatriz María Gallardo Aguilar, Andrés Hervás Gómez
Domestic cat
Felis catus, the domestic cat, is known for its agility, sharp retractable claws, and keen hunting instincts, and it’s capable of rotating their ears 180 degrees to help pinpoint sounds with great accuracy. Its genome has been sequenced to reveal insights into feline diseases, behavior, and evolution. doi: 10.1101/gr.6380007 , June 25 2007 Authors: Carla…
Leopard
Panthera pardus, the leopard, has a spot pattern unique to each individual, akin to human fingerprints. Its genome reveals adaptations that allow it to live in a wide variety of habitats. DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evac128, Publication date: August/17/2022 Authors: Judith Agel Gelis, Mattin Arana Lopetegi, Arnau Crehueras Getan, Leia Tomàs Puig
Bactrian camel
Camelus bactrianus, the Bactrian camel, has two humps where they can store energy in the form of fat, allowing them to survive long periods without food or water. Its genome also reveals genes with resistance insulin functions. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms2192 (November/13/2012) Authors: Júlia Bou Vallès, Laia Xin Mercadé Pelfort, Ivett Moro Rodríguez, Paula Valero Delgado