Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World Screwworm Fly, is an obligate parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals, feeding on living tissues and causing severe myiasis. Its genome is considerably big, having a high level of repetitive DNA. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01152-4 Authors: Lucía Martí, Alba Paniagua, Lukas Robertson, Paula Vera
Kingdom: Metazoa
Rothschild giraffe
The Rothschild giraffe combines extreme adaptations and unique mutations, such as in the FGFRL1 gene. These grant it resistance to the extreme hypertension caused by its long neck and are also associated with an increase in bone mineral density, which is essential for its body structure. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe9459 Authors: Laura Martín Zamora, Mercè Pons Rigo,…
Chinese hamster
CHO cells (from the Chinese hamster ovary) are one of the most widely used cell lines in biotechnology because they glycosylate human proteins well and are very safe to culture. For this reason, they are currently used to produce most biological medicines, such as antibodies and hormones. The first article where the genome is assembled…
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos, the golden eagle, is a monogamous bird that, even though its grand size, can fly up to 300 km/h, therefore represents a symbol of strength. Its genome reveals evidence for a unique vision system biased towards ultraviolet vision. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095599. Authors: Júlia Genovart Armayones, Mindy Janella Miranda Hernández, Mar Pons Jori, Nora Yoldi…
South American lungfish
Lepidosiren paradoxa, the South American lungfish, is an air-breathing freshwater species with eel-like fins and remarkable estivation abilities. Its genome is the largest animal genome sequenced, shaped by massive transposable-element expansion and providing key insights into tetrapod evolution. Information about the article: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07830-1, 08/14/2024 Authors: Ariadna Abad García, Aina Ferré Valero, Maria García Lara, Eider…
Anemone sea spider
Pycnogonum litorale, the anemone sea spider, is a small marine pycnogonid (sister group to all other chelicerates) with a vestigial opisthosoma (abdomen) and a proboscis. Its genome reveals information about the evolution of the body plan and genomic structure of chelicerates. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02276-x — July/02/2025 Authors: Alba Burgos Renedo, Pablo Caldera Morante, Marc Hormigo Zambrano, Jose…
Black-footed cat
The black-footed cat is the tiniest feline in Africa, and one of the smallest in the world, measuring about 40 cm, with an impressive body weight of 1.9 kg. Unlike most felines, they’re poor climbers, instead they dig in the sand to take refuge in burrows. The black-footed cat is endemic to the arid grasslands…
Komodo dragon
Varanus komodoensis, the Komodo dragon, is the largest living lizard, capable of taking down prey much larger than itself. Its genome reveals adaptations for a powerful cardiovascular system, heightened metabolism, and a robust immune response, resembling traits typically seen in mammals. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0945-8 Author: Asier Otal
Capybara
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
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)