The tuatara genome reveals ancient features of amniote evolution.

ABSTRACT: The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)-the only living member of the reptilian order Rhynchocephalia (Sphenodontia), once widespread across Gondwana^1,2-is an iconic species that is endemic to New Zealand^2,3. A key link to the now-extinct stem reptiles (from which dinosaurs, modern reptiles, birds and mammals evolved), the tuatara provides key insights into the ancestral amniotes^2,4. Here we analyse the genome of the tuatara, which-at approximately 5 Gb-is among the largest of the vertebrate genomes yet assembled. Our analyses of this genome, along with comparisons with other vertebrate genomes, reinforce the uniqueness of the tuatara. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the tuatara lineage diverged from that of snakes and lizards around 250 million years ago. Th

SUBMITTER: Gemmell NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7116210 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature