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
Sequencing generation: 3
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,…
Coconut rhinoceros beetle
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the biggest beetles yet found, with an enormous horn. This horn is the reason for its name. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-022-08628-z June/07/2022 Authors: Lucía Ramos Sapena, Ángela Reinón Miguel, María Villena Jiménez
Brown bear
Brown bears can enter a metabolic state similar to hibernation even outside the cave, and their genome reveals genes associated with the ability to “switch off” processes such as muscle degradation and bone loss. This makes them a fascinating biological model for studying human diseases such as osteoporosis or muscle atrophy, as they spend months…
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
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…