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Comparative Genomics Points to Ecological Drivers of Genomic Divergence Among Intertidal Limpets
Emily C Giles1,2,3, Vanessa L González4, Paulina Carimán1
1Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Molecular Ecology Resources
|January 31, 2025
Summary
Genomic resources for marine molluscs are scarce. This study provides new genome assemblies for three Scurria species, revealing insights into their recent divergence and adaptation to intertidal habitats.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Limited genomic resources exist for marine intertidal molluscs.
- Understanding divergence in changing environments requires high-quality genomic data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide new genomic resources for Patellogastropoda molluscs.
- To investigate the genomic basis of recent divergence in the genus Scurria.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome assemblies for six Patellogastropoda species.
- Genome assemblies and annotations for Scurria scurra, Scurria viridula, and Scurria zebrina.
- Comparative genomic analyses, including gene family evolution and genome composition.
Main Results:
- Recently diverged lineages (10-20 Mya) show similar gene family dynamics but across different gene families.
- Genomic differences include variations in coding/noncoding content, repetitive elements, and transcript/intron/exon lengths.
- Functional analysis of genes and demographic inference support ecological divergence in Scurria.
Conclusions:
- The generated genomic resources are valuable for studying adaptation in molluscs and intertidal ecosystems.
- Recent divergence in Scurria is linked to unique ecological adaptations.
- Comparative genomics reveals patterns of genome evolution in recently diverged marine molluscs.
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