Recently, a team of scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have made some incredible new discoveries about the genetics of the common octopus. After sequencing the genome of the common octopus, the team was able to identify some truly remarkable insights into the evolution and development of this species.

One of the most interesting findings of the research was that the common octopus has a large number of genes that are involved in the development of its unique tentacles. Specifically, the team identified a gene family that is involved in the growth and patterning of the tentacles, suggesting that the common octopus has evolved a unique and specialized way of controlling the growth and shape of its tentacles.

In addition to this, the researchers also identified a number of genes that are involved in the regulation of the octopus’s color changing abilities. This is significant as it suggests that the common octopus has evolved a complex system of genes that control its ability to rapidly change color in response to its environment.

These new insights into the genetics of the common octopus are sure to provide valuable information for future research into this fascinating species.

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source: Phys.org