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Ant genomes reveal bursts of evolution tied to jumping DNA

Original: Analysis of the evolutionary history of 163 ant genomes, from most extant subfamilies, showed periods of rapid species d

A new genomic analysis covering 163 ant species from most living subfamilies traces ant evolution across the last 100 million years. The study finds that periods of rapid species diversification coincided with increased activity of transposable elements, the mobile DNA sequences that can move around genomes. The findings suggest genome dynamics, not just external factors, helped drive the extraordinary diversification of ants, and researchers are discussing what this means for understanding evolution across insects more broadly.

Why now: A newly published study links ant diversification bursts to transposable element activity, a notable evolutionary finding.

antstransposable elements

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Evidence

• Analysis of the evolutionary history of 163 ant genomes, from most extant subfamilies, showed periods of rapid species diversification associated with higher activity of transposable elements (DNA sequences that move in the genome) through the last 100 million years, including… · rdnielsen@floss.social · 3

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