Marine Snails Evolve to Give Birth to Live Young, Driven by Genetic Changes
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria have found that marine snails have recently evolved from laying eggs to giving birth to live young. This evolutionary change is driven by approximately 50 genetic alterations.
The study focused on the Littorina saxatilis snail and its close relatives, using whole-genome sequences to unravel the genetic basis of the snails’ transition to live-birth. By tracing the snails’ genetic makeup, the researchers were able to identify 50 genetic changes scattered throughout the snail’s genome that are linked to the ability to give birth to live young.
The research revealed that these genetic changes emerged gradually over the past 100,000 years through a series of mutations. However, it remains unknown which of these incremental changes played a pivotal role in the transition from egg-laying to live-birth.
The shift from egg-laying to live-birth may have several advantages for the snails. One potential benefit is that live-birth reduces the vulnerability of their young to drying out, getting crushed, or being preyed upon. Additionally, the snails’ wide range of shell types and habitats may be a result of their adaptation to live-birth.
This study provides valuable insights into the process of major evolutionary changes occurring through small, incremental steps rather than giant genetic leaps. Understanding this mechanism of evolution can shed light on past evolutionary shifts and help predict future responses to factors like climate change.
The implications of this research go beyond marine snails. The findings have broader implications for understanding the genetic basis of other adaptive traits and the ability of organisms to rapidly adapt to a changing world.
The study, published in the prestigious journal Science, marks a significant milestone in our understanding of evolutionary processes. By unraveling the genetics behind the shift from egg-laying to live-birth in marine snails, scientists are discovering new ways in which organisms adapt to their environments and evolve over time. This knowledge can be leveraged to better comprehend and predict the impact of environmental changes on different species in the future.
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