The first genetic sequences of centipedes has recently been mapped out. The sequences found in the centipede genome are giving researchers the ability to learn more about evolution. As members of arthropods and more specifically myriapods, centipedes of the species Strigamia maritima were sequences. This simplistic species can be used to learn more about complex arthropods.
One author of this study, Ariel Chipman, the genetic sequencing of these arthropods shows how they've changed over time. It helps demonstrate the changes from living in water to living on land. For example, Chipman was able to conclude that myriapods and insects changed their preferred environment differently from one another. One example of this is the fact that centipedes don't have the olfactory genes insects have. Instead, centipedes have enhanced another aspect of their genome, which is not present in insects. One species of centipedes have no eyes and live underground, and this demonstrates how the environment influences evolution. Therefore, their other senses are enhanced.
Research on genomes was fixated on humans, but now there is enough knowledge that scientists are able to research animals. Knowing the genomes of more simple organisms will enable scientists to learn more about human genetics. In the future, this will serve several purposes.
Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141125140807.htm
Supporting Article: http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1002005
One author of this study, Ariel Chipman, the genetic sequencing of these arthropods shows how they've changed over time. It helps demonstrate the changes from living in water to living on land. For example, Chipman was able to conclude that myriapods and insects changed their preferred environment differently from one another. One example of this is the fact that centipedes don't have the olfactory genes insects have. Instead, centipedes have enhanced another aspect of their genome, which is not present in insects. One species of centipedes have no eyes and live underground, and this demonstrates how the environment influences evolution. Therefore, their other senses are enhanced.
Research on genomes was fixated on humans, but now there is enough knowledge that scientists are able to research animals. Knowing the genomes of more simple organisms will enable scientists to learn more about human genetics. In the future, this will serve several purposes.
Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141125140807.htm
Supporting Article: http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1002005
I think it's interesting how studying these animals is helping scientists learn more about the human genomes. I never thought an animal that seemed to be so simple could be related to an organism so complex as the human being.
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