ANIMALS
Genomes of 51 animal species mapped in record time
WORDS KILEY PRICE
Researchers just mapped and published the genomes of 51
animal species, from fish-eating crocodiles known as gharials
to fierce cloud leopards. These genetic blueprints could have broad implications for humans, particularly for understanding our evolutionary history. “In some ways we’re building an evolutionary time machine,” said Michael Schatz, a Bloomberg distinguished professor of computer science and biology at Johns Hopkins University. “Having the genes of our evolutionary cousins mapped out will help us better understand ourselves.”