Re-Adaptation in Snakes: Uncovering the Genome of a Burrowing Species
Scientists recently revealed the complete genome of the Burrowing Asp, a species of snake that has adapted to living underground. The Burrowing Asp is native to the deserts of North Africa and can survive in extreme heat and lack of oxygen. This groundbreaking research was able to uncover the genetic changes that have allowed this species of snake to thrive in its underground environment. Most notably, the study found that the Burrowing Asp had adapted to its new habitat by evolving a set of genes that help it to regulate its metabolism and survive in an oxygen-deprived environment. This is the first time a genome-wide investigation has been conducted on a species of snake, and the results provide insights into how animals can re-adapt to new environments.
source: Phys.org