. Earth Science News .
FLORA AND FAUNA
Genome reveals secrets of Tasmanian tiger's extinction
by Brooks Hays
Washington (UPI) Dec 12, 2017


Scientists have sequenced the Tasmanian tiger's genome, offering new insights into the species' demise.

The tiger's newly sequenced genome is one of the most complete genetic maps compiled by scientists. The genetic blueprint suggest the species was suffering from a lack of genetic diversity by the time it was hunted to extinction in the 1930s.

Though most frequently called the Tasmanian tiger, the species Thylacinus cynocephalus is also sometimes referred to as the Tasmanian wolf. Its likeness is more dog-like than feline, but the species is in fact a marsupial -- the largest known carnivore with a pouch.

An international team of scientists led by researchers at the University of Melbourne sequenced the species' genome using DNA collected from a well-preserved, 106-year-old pouch-young Tasmanian tiger specimen held at the Museums Victoria's Collections.

"The genome has allowed us to confirm the thylacine's place in the evolutionary tree," lead researcher Andrew Pask said in a news release. "The Tasmanian tiger belongs in a sister lineage to the Dasyuridae, the family which includes the Tasmanian devil and the dunnart."

The newly compiled genomic data suggests the tiger faced many of the environmental and genetic challenges currently facing the Tasmanian devil.

Both species' problem of poor genetic diversity may have begun even before the animals became isolated on Tasmania between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago. And much like the devil today, the Tasmanian tiger likely struggled with disease.

But scientists hope their ongoing analysis of the tiger's genome can help conservationists improve management and protection plans for the Tasmanian devil.

There is also some discussion of trying to bring the Tasmanian tiger back to life.

"Our hope is that there is a lot the thylacine can tell us about the genetic basis of extinction to help other species," Pask said. "As this genome is one of the most complete for an extinct species, it is technically the first step to 'bringing the thylacine back,' but we are still a long way off that possibility."

Scientists would have to find a way to transport the tiger's genome into a marsupial model -- "like work conducted to include mammoth genes in the modern elephant," Pask said.

Not everyone believes the tiger needs to brought back to life. There are have been a number of unconfirmed sightings in recent years.

The latest research -- detailed in the journal Nature -- offered other details besides the species' impoverished genetic diversity. Analysis showed the genes responsible for the species appearance -- the shape of its eye, jaw and nose -- are most similar to those found among the genomes of the gray wolf and red fox, which explains their similar snouts.

"The fact these groups have not shared a common ancestor since the Jurassic makes this an astounding example of convergence between distantly related species," Pask said. "This reveals a whole new understanding of the process of evolution, we can now explore these regions of the genome to help understand how two species converge on the same appearance, and how the process of evolution works."

FLORA AND FAUNA
Reproductive success best predictor for bear, dolphin population forecasting
Washington (UPI) Dec 11, 2017
New research suggests reproductive success, not survival rates, is the most important factor for predicting the longterm population health of slow-growing species like bears and dolphins. Scientists at the University of New South Wales conducted a survey of dolphin studies in Australia and bear studies in North America. Their analysis of population forecasting efforts - detailed this w ... read more

Related Links
Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

FLORA AND FAUNA
Unearthing the underground effects of earthquakes and volcanoes

New mapping technique can help fight extreme poverty

World leaders in Paris seek cash for climate crunc

Leaders needed to fix global 'mess', says Kofi Annan

FLORA AND FAUNA
Penn researchers establish universal signature fundamental to how glassy materials fail

In first, 3-D printed objects connect to WiFi without electronics

Better mastery of heat flow leads to next-generation thermal cloaks

3-D-printed minifactories

FLORA AND FAUNA
Researchers establish long-sought source of ocean methane

US transportation and water infrastructure not broken

Hydropower dams can be managed without an all-or-nothing choice between energy and food

Fear of sharks influences seaweed growth on Fijian coral reefs

FLORA AND FAUNA
Warming Arctic is 'new normal,' will affect us all: report

Arctic, major fishing nations agree no fishing in Arctic, for now

Antarctic Selfie's Journey to Space via Disruption Tolerant Networking

Antarctic landscape insights keep ice loss forecasts on the radar

FLORA AND FAUNA
Shining a light on plant growth and development

Archaeologist says fire, not corn, key to prehistoric survival in arid Southwest

Soil researchers quantify an underappreciated factor in carbon release to the atmosphere

Meadows beat out shrubs when it comes to storing carbon

FLORA AND FAUNA
Magnitude 6.2 quake hits southeastern Iran: seismological centre

West coast earthquake early warning system continues progress toward public use

Quake hits Iran-Iraq border region

Beyond wind speed: A new measure for predicting hurricane impacts

FLORA AND FAUNA
Russia asks UN for green light to send arms to C. Africa

Tillerson plans Africa trip for early 2018

Regional force deploys to Lesotho over security concerns

Mali justice minister resigns after activist's acquittal

FLORA AND FAUNA
Scientists show how Himalayan rivers influenced ancient Indus civilization settlements

Scientists revamp 'Out of Africa' model of early human migration

Archaeologists revise chronology of the last hunter-gatherers in the Near East

Research suggests gorillas can develop food cleaning behavior spontaneously









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.