The Zoonomia Project has made significant strides in mapping the genetic diversity of 240 mammalian species, which represents over 80% of mammalian families. By sequencing and aligning genomes, researchers identified conserved genomic regions that may hold biological significance, suggesting at least 10% of the human genome is functional—much more than the typical 1% coding for proteins. This analysis has illuminated genetic variants linked to various human diseases, including cancer, and unique mammalian traits like hibernation and enhanced olfactory senses. Findings indicate that certain genomic regions have been unchanged for millions of years, providing insights into human health and evolutionary traits.
The collaborative effort involved complex computational analyses to uncover regions vital to mammalian biology and disease risk. Studies highlighted in a special issue of Science reveal evolutionary changes in mammals pre-dating the dinosaur extinction and detail genomic differentiations related to traits such as brain size and survival adaptations. The research underscores how investigating the mammalian genome can enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and species diversity. The project serves as a comprehensive resource for future genomic studies and insights into evolutionary biology.
