A team of researchers has managed to sequence the genome of the deep-sea vampire squid.
The research was conducted by a team from the University of Vienna, National Institute of Technology – Wakayama College, and Shimane University.
The research shows that the vampire squid retains elements of an ancient, squid-like chromosomal architecture despite its classification among octopuses. The team found that the vampire squid genome is roughly four times the size of the human genome and the largest cephalopod genome analyzed so far.
As a result of the genomic evidence, the vampire squid is positioned as an intermediate between the 10-armed Decapodiformes and the eight-armed Octopodiformes, supporting the idea that modern octopuses evolved from a more squid-like ancestor.
According to Oleg Simakov from the Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology at the University of Vienna and the study’s senior author:
“The vampire squid sits right at the interface between octopuses and squids. Its genome reveals deep evolutionary secrets on how two strikingly different lineages could emerge from a shared ancestor.”
While the study’s second author, Emese Tóth from the University of Vienna, added:
“Although it is classified as an octopus, the vampire squid retains a genetic heritage that predates both lineages. It gives us a direct look into the earliest stages of cephalopod evolution.”
You can find out more information and the original research here.
