These spiders have ‘dark DNA’ - and it could change the way we understand evolution
The spider that has evolved into 100 different species
- Scientists are investigating the “dark DNA” of Australia's peacock spider, which may hold the key to diverse evolution.
- The peacock spider has evolved into 100 distinct species, significantly more than most animals, making it a unique subject for genetic research.
- Researchers propose that the spider's high proportion of “dark DNA” may be responsible for its rapid adaptation and speciation.
- A team from the Sanger Institute is meticulously collecting and analysing samples from all known peacock spider species, cross-referencing their DNA with their unique behaviours and characteristics.
- This early-stage research aims to uncover how “dark DNA” influences evolution, contributing to broader efforts like the Earth BioGenome Project to map all living species' genomes.