Genome Digest

What researchers are learning as they sequence, map, and decode species’ genomes

Written byDiana Kwon
| 5 min read

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Species: Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
Genome size: Approximately 2.9 billion base pairs

The Iberian lynx is one of the most endangered felines in the world. The latest population decline occurred in the 20th century, when lynx numbers were reduced drastically to around 100 individuals. Conservation efforts over the last decade has brought their numbers up to over 300, but the animals still remain on the brink of extinction.

Although human activity is generally thought to be the primary cause of declining lynx populations, genetic factors can also contribute to species viability. In a study published last month (December 14) in Genome Biology, José Godoy of the Estación Biológica de Doñana in Spain and colleagues analysed the Iberian lynx’s genome, finding that it is among the ...

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Meet the Author

  • Diana is a freelance science journalist who covers the life sciences, health, and academic life. She’s a regular contributor to The Scientist and her work has appeared in several other publications, including Scientific American, Knowable, and Quanta. Diana was a former intern at The Scientist and she holds a master’s degree in neuroscience from McGill University. She’s currently based in Berlin, Germany.

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