An international group of scientists led by specialists from the University of Melbourne in Australia was for the first time able to study the genome of the Australian marsupial mole, a rare mammal with a set of features.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Gazeta.ru, the study was published in the scientific journal Science Advances (SciAdv).
Marsupial moles live in the depths of the deserts of Australia. Along with platypuses, they are considered one of the strangest representatives of the continent’s fauna. These creatures do not dig tunnels, but “swim” through loose sand using their forelimbs. Male moles do not have a scrotum, so their testicles are located directly in the abdominal cavity. The females’ pouches are deployed in such a way as not to become clogged with sand when moving.
Since it is difficult to breathe underground, marsupial moles have learned to survive in conditions of lack of oxygen.
In the new study, the team extracted DNA from preserved tissue samples. Scientists mapped the genome of the Australian marsupial mole and then compared it with the genes of ordinary moles.
As the analysis showed, the degeneration of the animal’s eyes proceeded in stages. First, the genes responsible for the lens changed, and then for the light-sensitive cells of the retina.
In addition, the researchers found in the animal an additional gene for hemoglobin, a protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. It also turned out that a defect in the gene RXFP2, which is key for reproductive organs, explains the position of the testicles inside the creature’s body.
Further DNA analysis showed that the closest relatives of marsupial moles were the Australian bandicoot and bilby (rabbit bandicoot), as well as the Tasmanian devil.
Scientists say the evidence points to a slow genetic decline in marsupial moles. This process lasts approximately 70 thousand years and began long before the first people arrived in Australia. According to the researchers, the decline in genetic diversity could be caused by lower temperatures and falling sea levels.